Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate - Part Time

YWCA Oklahoma City offers victims of domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA), and stalking immediate crisis response services through our C.A.R.E. and H.O.P.E programs. The C.A.R.E. programs includes the following services: Crisis hotlines, Advocacy, emergency Residential shelter, and forensic nurse Exams. The H.O.P.E. programs includes Healing, Opportunities, Prevention, and Education. YWCA OKC services are provided at our primary location, through staff embedded at the Palomar Family Justice Center and local hospitals throughout the metro Oklahoma City area.

The YWCA Oklahoma City is currently seeking Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates for daytime and overnight shifts. We have both full time and part time positions open. We are seeking dynamic professionals who are organized, think independently and critically, use appropriate judgement, and ensure quality work. Strong listening, verbal and written communication and organizational skills are required. This is a 24 hour, seven day a week shelter so shift possibilities are overnights and weekends as well as week days.

YWCA OKC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

• Assist survivors with safety planning and intentions for entering shelter by analyzing, interpreting and deducing active and potential lethality risk factors.
• Complete appropriate agency forms to document critical incidents or injury on the premises, notifying supervisor immediately.
• Maintain a friendly, safe environment for all shelter residents by following YWCA policies and procedures related to safety of residents and property, and responding to resident conflicts and grievances.
• Complete admission and initial intake assessments with survivors entering the shelter.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and consultations to continually advance knowledge, skills and abilities for assisting victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Meet with supervisor on a regular basis to keep her apprised of events, problems, needs, etc.
• Complete discharge procedures, update client data and review referrals and safety plans with clients as appropriate.
• Complete documentation to assure compliance with criteria and standards required by licensing and funding sources and complete necessary electronic entries and all required agency forms in a timely fashion.
• Update clients’ case files as required by state statute and YWCA policy & procedures and record all transactions with residents in the files.
• Conduct a minimum of 2 (one at the beginning and end of each shift) shelter walk throughs to ensure resident safety and check for facility needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information related to residents and programs.
• Answer 24-hour crisis hotlines (Domestic Violence Hotlines, Sexual Assault Hotlines, Oklahoma State Safeline, and shelter business lines) and make consistent, appropriate decisions regarding referral, safety planning and linking to emergency shelters utilizing professional discretion and judgment.
• Monitor the security gate, cameras and entry to the shelter to comply with federal and state statutes regarding access to the shelter premises.
• Assist in maintaining adequate level of shelter supplies e.g., linen closet, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and work as a team member with YWCA staff and administration.

A Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Service, Human Relations, or Human Resources field strongly preferred, an Associate’s Degree in Crime Victim Services or other human services also acceptable. Relevant domestic violence advocacy experience preferred, bilingual preferred. Full time benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and retirement.