21711

Family Services, Inc.

Full Time (benefits eligible)

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Contact: Tricia Forchetti
Email: TForchetti@waystationinc.org

The Residential Advocate (RA) provides support and direct assistance in a trauma informed setting to promote the health, safety and well-being of women and children who are domestic violence survivors. Reports to the Residential Services Coordinator.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with a varied schedule that includes weekends, days and evenings; may work some holidays. Residential Advocates at the Betty Ann Krahnke Center(BAK) are essential employees and expected to report to work during weather emergencies or other unusual events. RAs must stay at the center until they are relieved by another responsible Family Services, Inc. staff person, even if others are delayed. The building may not be left without responsible staff on duty at any time.

Duties:

• Provides support and direct assistance to shelter residents to ensure their health and  safety, which includes walking the hallways, making sure that children are safe and occupied and bathrooms and common areas are kept clean. Communicates observations and concerns to BAK team and alerts supervisors of serious incidents related to health and safety.
• Communicates clearly when answering calls from the Crisis Center or Abused Persons Program about new admissions. Welcomes new residents to the BAK center, assists with their orientation and intake to the residential facility and provides for immediate needs.
• Assists in the provision of nutritious meals and snacks for residents and children per established schedule, and assists residents in meal preparation, set-up and clean-up.
• Ensures that the facility is clean and in good order, eliciting assistance from residents and other RAs to handle routine household chores. Prepares rooms that have been vacated for new residents and does laundry. Alerts supervisor of need for repairs or maintenance.
• Provides transportation for residents to appointments as deemed necessary in program vehicle, or with tokens and taxi vouchers. These may include court, medical appointments, social services and housing agencies, and to pick up client belongings that were left behind.
• Assists with Child Care duties as requested and with weekly recreational and leisure time activities at the Center. Assists with BAK's special seasonal events such as the Holiday Store, Summer Camp and Birthday celebrations.
• Reads the current Log at the start of every shift and adds client notes, shift log notes and critical incident reports that are neat, timely and accurate. Assists at Community Meetings to discuss resident concerns and build a sense of community.
• Provides supportive assistance to residents in developing life skills as identified in their service plan. Assists in the sorting, storing and distribution of donations to the center.

Requires: 

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Health and Human Services, Social Work, counseling field preferred.
• Two years of experience with individuals with mental health/substance abuse.
• Domestic Violence/shelter experience is a strong plus.
• Oral fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Must have valid driver's license with less than three points.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds, stand, sit, stoop, bend at the waist and knees and possess overall body flexibility.