Shelter Advocate

## Shelter Advocate

**Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate**

Are you passionate about helping survivors of domestic violence find safety, support, and hope? BHcare is seeking a caring and dedicated **Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate** to provide direct support to adults and children in our safe house. This role is essential in creating a safe environment while empowering clients to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

**Schedule: Part-time**

***Saturday and Sunday, 6:45am-3:15pm 16 hours per week***

**What You’ll Do:**

• Welcome new residents and their children, complete intakes, and provide orientation to the shelter.
• Offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support to survivors and their families.
• Provide individual support and referrals to community resources such as healthcare, education, and social services.
• Facilitate transportation for clients to medical appointments, school, shopping, and activities.
• Collaborate with community partners, including law enforcement, hospitals, and other providers, to ensure client needs are met.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive shelter environment.
• Assist clients with developing and following through on service plans to achieve safety and independence.
• Cover the 24/7 hotline and respond to crisis calls with compassion and professionalism.
• Ensure all documentation is completed promptly and accurately.

**What We’re Looking For:**

• Compassionate, reliable, and committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Strong communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations.
• Comfortable collaborating with both clients and external providers.
• Must remain awake and alert during shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

**Why Join BHcare?**

At BHcare, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team working to break the cycle of domestic violence and build stronger, safer communities. We offer a supportive environment where your work truly changes lives.

**Be a voice of hope. Be an advocate for safety. Apply today to join BHcare as a Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate.**

**We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regard to any category protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status or uniformed service member.**

## Qualifications

**Qualifications:**

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. In lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associates degree or college coursework equivalent (2 years) and 2 years work experience in human services; OR high school diploma and minimum of 4 years of experience in human services.
• Substitution of appropriate college training is allowed but subject to funder’s approval,
• Two years Advocacy and/or direct service experience working with survivors of domestic violence in a community-based setting preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the certified domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly.
• Strong Written Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of clients.
• Crisis intervention and counseling skills preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.

**PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS**

• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/ First Aid/ AED certification