Advocate - YWCA Kalamazoo : Job Details

YWCA Kalamazoo is on a Mission! * *At YWCA Kalamazoo, we look for people who want to make a difference and do something that MATTERS. YWCA Kalamazoo is your ally who is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. When you work for YWCA Kalamazoo, you become part of a worldwide movement: eliminating racism and empowering women. Simply put, YWCA Kalamazoo draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power to attain a common vision of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. Our employee-centric philosophies focus on taking care of you and promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a benefits package tailored with YOU in mind! * WHAT YOU'LL DO:* *PRIMARY FUNCTION: * Shelter Advocates provide crisis intervention and creates a safe and welcoming environment for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and their children by providing emotional support, connecting residents to resources, and facilitating activities in shelter to build community. * QUALIFICATIONS:* High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in human services or related field or specialized training in domestic violence preferred. One-year experience in crisis intervention and residential service preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and adept at deescalation techniques Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to be empathetic and establish rapport. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries. *RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provides crisis intervention and individual support. Answers agency crisis line and responds to client crisis needs. Links clients with community resources. Maintains confidential, accurate, and timely client records and documentation. Monitors building and shelter security systems and procedures. Provides admittance and intake of shelter residents; arranges alternate shelter, as needed. Coordinates and facilitates shelter programming activities including, but not limited to: field trips, recreational outings, in-shelter activities, co-location of community resources, and holiday celebrations. Assists in activities related to daily shelter operations. Completes cleaning tasks assigned during scheduled shifts. Assures necessary maintenance and custodial functions, as needed. Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the position. Complies with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and or regulations. Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse, elder abuse, suicide and homicide. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers. Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. THE PERKS: YWCA Kalamazoo partners with ADP to provide a phenomenal benefits package. Our Core Benefits: Medical (3 Excellent Options) Dental Vision Life Long Term Disability Short Term Disability In addition to our core benefits, we also of