Residential Advocate
JOB HIGHLIGHTS: When joining the emergency residential shelter team at My Sisters’ Place (MSP), you will be part of a dynamic and diverse group of passionate counselors and advocates committed to transforming the world. You will work to further MSP’s mission in accordance with our guiding principles in a leadership role that addresses the complex safety and support needs of survivors of domestic violence (DV) and human trafficking (HT).
MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS: Domestic Violence residential services; Case Management; Counseling; Crisis Intervention; Hotline support
LOCATION: Westchester County, NY
JOB OVERVIEW:
The Residential Advocate (4 pm – 12 am) works to further MSP’s mission, in accordance with our “guiding principles” in a key role as part of the residential program. Per Diem Residential Advocates provide critical supportive services in a way that is compassionate and adheres’ to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. At times, the Residential Advocate may be covering a shift alone. The Residential Advocate should be compassionate, responsive, resourceful, have sound critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ensure that each client is supported; by assessing individual needs, helping to create short and long-term goals through creation of each resident’s Goal and Action Plan (GAP), and that each client has access to relevant resources.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES: Under the guidance of the Senior Residential Advocate, the Residential Advocate will
- Provide day-to-day case management, counseling, and crisis intervention to clients as needed
- Answer MSP’s 24-hour hotline when needed, responding to callers in crisis by providing information and resources and assess eligibility for MSP services.
- Assist with intake procedures including but not limited to review of the Welcome Packet, development of an on-going assessment safety plan, coordinate follow-up on initial appointments for DSS and other relevant services providers.
- Keep thorough and up-to-date client records in accordance with agency file requirements.
- Timely submission of all monthly stats to Senior Residential Advocate.
- Assist in the completion of OVS “crime victim compensation” application, public benefits and housing applications as needed and/or requested services.
- Assure safety and well-being of residents in accordance with shelter guidelines and resident responsibilities. Provide crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation and resolution to ensure physical and emotional safety of residents, staff, and volunteers.
- Keep Senior Residential Advocates and Director of Residential Programs advised of the needs of shelter residents and any communal living concerns.
- Participate in regular supervision with Senior Residential Advocate to promote the provision of quality services. Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings and other professional development opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Senior Residential Advocate and Residential counseling team to identify residents in need of additional clinical support.
- Assist in the maintenance of the petty cash log and facilitate the collection of backup documentation regularly.
- Assist the Senior Residential Advocate in other duties and tasks as directed. Work closely with and take direction from Coordinator of Residential Case Management, Residential Counselor and Director of the Residential Program to complete requested/required tasks.
YOU MUST HAVE:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred: two years college, plus two years’ experience a plus
- Knowledge of victimization and domestic violence preferred
- Prior counseling or advocacy experience in a residential setting a plus
- Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
- Job requires lifting typical office materials from time to time, lifting and carrying food items, bending and lifting items to put them away, and may include accepting and transporting in-kind donations
- If using personal vehicle, must have valid driver’s license and appropriate vehicle insurance
MSP BELIEVES:
In advocating for social justice, adopting an anti-oppression lens to understand gender-based violence. We recognize that clients come to MSP while navigating different structural and social injustices that affect their experiences of survivorship. We also understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment to developing the language and tools we need to undo institutional oppression
We are flexible and work well as part of a team and independently. We believe in excellent time-management skills and demonstrating the ability to multi-task. We are accountable to doing what we say we are going to do.
TEAM OVERVIEW: MSP’s Residential Services team consists of a Director of Residential Services, Associate Director of Residential Services, Senior Residential Advocates, Transitional Coordinator, Residential Advocates, a Residential Counselor, a Coordinator of Case Management and per diem staff. All residential services staff work in MSP’s Emergency Shelter, a confidential site in Westchester County, NY.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At MSP, we strongly believe that integrating a world-changing approach into all areas of our work is essential to ending domestic violence and human trafficking. Our dynamic and diverse team of compassionate advocates is working to create a world in which every individual has the basic human right to be free to gender-based violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principle of respect, equality, and safety.
GREAT BENEFITS AND PTO PACKAGE: MSP employees enjoy a generous health benefits package that includes dental and vision care. Our Financial Savings Plan reflects a commitment to the future well-being of our employees. PTO and self-care are important to us and we offer a PTO plan that includes vacation, sick time, personal days as well as summer Fridays.
Job classification: Regular/Full-time/Flexible/Non-Exempt
Salary: $54,900
Application instructions: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements via e-mail to LaMarr Powell, Senior Director of Residential and Transitional Housing Services: lpowell@mspny.org.
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MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. My Sisters’ Place believes that an effective, broad-based movement for social transformation must be rooted in anti-oppression principles as we work towards a more just and equitable society. People of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ Community are encouraged to apply. MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. MSP policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.