Job Description

Family Advocate

The YWCA Greater Flint is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The Family Advocate is responsible for providing direct services and advocacy to children and families who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for Safehouse Survivors including but not limited to providing onsite childcare, resources and community referrals. The Family Advocate is responsible for purchasing orders and supplies, grocery shopping, food inventory, and menu planning. The Family Advocate also serves as a backup for conducting intakes and serving as a Safehouse Advocate.

Major Duties and Expectations:

• Work collaboratively with the Shelter Manager and outside agencies.
• Participate in the minimum number of required training hours offered by the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Michigan Victim Advocacy Network, and other professional training venues to ensure professional readiness.
• Provide support and/or crisis intervention to Safehouse survivors when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with the Shelter Manager to coordinate the acquisition and distribution of basic supplies and donations for survivors and conduct inventory of supplies.
• Purchase supplies, groceries and maintain inventory of supplies and groceries for Safehouse.
• Provide trauma-informed direct services to survivors and families of domestic and sexual violence including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
• Follow up on completed need assessments within 48 business hours.
• Act as a liaison for McKinney Vento Program.
• Act as a liaison for community partners who provide advocacy, support, and resources to families of domestic and sexual violence.
• Provide on-site childcare when needed, including group activities and mental health sessions.
• Coordinate and be present for activities and events scheduled for survivors and/or families receiving services at the YWCA.
• Ensure that bulletin boards located in Safehouse, lobby, and Harriet Kenworthy Counseling and Advocacy Center are inspiring, uplifting, and informative regarding workshops, services, community resources and upcoming events.
• Facilitate Children's enrichment activities.
• Maintain Sign-in sheets for activities and events for survivors.
• Ensure that sanitation and safety measurements are met in all common areas located in the Safehouse and Harriet Kenworthy Advocacy Center.
• Create monthly menus that provide a minimum of two choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snacks that meet the dietary and/or cultural needs of all Safehouse survivors.
• Provide shift coverage for Safehouse as needed.
• Maintain complete and accurate written reports and enter accurate client data into the agency database system; recording accurate records of survivors' progress, interventions and outcomes.
• Maintain a safe, clean, non-threatening, open, inclusive environment for survivors and employees.
• Assist with the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Perform other duties and tasks assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Associate's degree in human services, Social Work, or equivalent education and/or work experience.
• Understanding of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma focused interventions, and trauma informed practices (preferred).
• Minimum two years' experience in the social service sector, as an employee or volunteer.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage crisis situations.
• Completion of 40-hour New Service Provider training as mandated by the State of Michigan. Candidates who do not already have this certificate will be required to attend the next available training.
• Flexible availability to work variable days/hours to meet client and organization needs.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. and climb stairs.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills to prioritize, manage multiple projects/clients, meet deadlines, and develop unique solutions to client issues.
• PC proficiency in a Microsoft environment.
• Familiarity with local community-based services and resources preferred.
• Ability to provide culturally competent services and work with diverse staff and clients in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner; develop and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to handle information with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Possess emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations and self-awareness to reach out to supervisor for assistance when needed.
• Maintain the minimum number of required training hours offered by the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Michigan Victim Advocacy Network, and other professional training venues to ensure professional readiness.
• Pass a Criminal Background check and obtain Central Registry Clear
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

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