Community Shelter Advocate (Community Shelter Campus)

SAFE Alliance seeks a Community Shelter Advocate for the Residential & Support Services program in the Family & Community Shelter department. The Advocate at SAFE Alliance provide trauma-informed, client-centered support, crisis response, advocacy, and/or case management services to individuals (children and/or adults) and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and/or other forms of violence and exploitation. The Advocate is client focused and works within their respective program and specialization and with key community partners to assist clients in navigating crisis situations, accessing critical resources, and building pathways toward safety, stability, healing and self-sufficiency.

SAFE Alliance:

The SAFE Alliance exists to stop abuse for everyone by serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. We are dedicated to ending violence through prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and communities that have been affected by abuse.

Over the past two years, SAFE has served 11,397 clients across our programs. During that time, SAFE reached more than 50,000 community members through over 2,000 trainings, provided more than 150,000 nights and days of shelter and housing support, and delivered over 53,000 crisis intervention and advocacy services through our 24/7 hotline, walk-in advocacy, and direct support programs.

No matter what your role at SAFE Alliance you will make a difference, because together we can Stop Abuse For Everyone.

Perks and Benefits of Working at SAFE Alliance*:

• Employee Only: Health insurance, short-term disability, and life insurance are employer paid with an option to purchase additional dependent coverage.
• Eligibility for Paid time off accruals of up to 15 days a year prorated based on hire date and hours worked.
• 8 standard paid holidays throughout the year.
• Depending on your date of hire, up to 4 Personal Holidays are granted to use at your preference throughout the year.
• A comprehensive voluntary benefits plan that includes dental, vision, flexible spending, and various insurance programs including pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an ability to contribute immediately. You can earn an employer match of 100% up to 1% of your pay and a discretionary contribution of 2% of your pay whether you contribute to the Plan, after one year of eligible service.
• SAFE Alliance benefit plans are effective the first day of the month following thirty days of continuous employment.

*Benefit plans and benefit start dates are prorated based on date of hire and hours worked. Eligibility in employer paid benefits, paid time off and holidays are dependent upon full-time employment status and/or hours worked and may be subject to change.

Application Information and Instructions:

• We do NOT accept applications or resumes via email, LinkedIn or any other social media messaging service.
• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. You will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application whether you have been selected or not to move forward in the process.
• All new employees regardless of status will be required to start their employment on either the 1st or 16th of the month. If the 1^st or 16^th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the start date will be moved to Friday or Monday, respectively.
• All employees will be required to attend a three-day new employee orientation that is held both in-person and virtually the first three business days of the month.
• If you or someone you know are in need of our services, please call 512.267.7233, text 737.888.7233 or chat at safeaustin.org/chat

Position Details:

We are looking for one person to work on a full-time, non-exempt basis for an hourly salary of $51,000 to $53,000 dependent upon experience and an additional annual language differential of $3,600 for those who are English/Spanish bilingual. 

Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is preferred; fluency being the ability to clearly and accurately communicate to convey information using the Spanish language, both verbally and in writing.

The work location will be based at our new Community Shelter Campus in the Pecan Springs-Springdale area.

This position will include some travel in the community or between campuses and will allow for some remote/hybrid work. 

This position requires driving. You must have a valid, State of Texas Driver's License (If in possession of an out-of-state license, obtain a State of Texas Driver's License within 90 days of beginning employment.) AND at least three (3) consecutive years of driving experience OR one (1) year of driving experience if over 27 years of age AND an acceptable driving record that covers at least the last three years of driver history.

Pass all required criminal history background checks (including an FBI fingerprint check if applicable), as well as a pre-employment drug screen and TB test, if applicable.

All employees are required to comply with policies regarding COVID-19, which may be subject to change. COVID vaccines are still highly recommended, and we encourage employees to get vaccinated if they are able.

The shift currently available is Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Program Manager or Director

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Position specific duties

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support for clients, individually and/or through group formats
• Assist clients in accessing services including, but not limited, as shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, education, and housing support.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and community resources, ensuring appropriate referrals and connections

Direct Client Services & Advocacy

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support for clients, individually and/or through group formats
• Assist clients in accessing services including, but not limited, as shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, education, and housing support.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and community resources, ensuring appropriate referrals and connections.
• Maintain a client-focused approach, prioritizing client needs, strengths, and self-determination.
• May conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans tailored to client goals.
• Safety plan with clients.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and community service providers.
• May conduct outreach and awareness efforts to promote program services.
• May represent SAFE in community meetings, task forces, and training sessions.
• May provide training to community partners and/or internally.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and social services agencies as needed.

Administrative & Compliance Responsibilities

• Document client interactions in case notes, and services provided in compliance with regulations and agency policies.
• Ensure program adherence to grant and contract requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required training.
• Support program development, data collection, and evaluation efforts.
• Comply with local, state, and federal privacy laws and regulations.
• Undertaking various job-related tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to support the team's objectives.

Required Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong crisis intervention, de-escalation, problem-solving, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and strong ethical boundaries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a team-oriented approach.

Experience

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, child neglect, stalking, and/or trafficking preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and advocacy best practices.
• Experience in social services, case management, legal advocacy, or crisis response preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Equivalent years of professional-level relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree.
• Must pass required background checks.

Certification & Training

• This position requires completion of the 40-Hour Office of Attorney General Sexual Assault Advocacy Training Program in person within six (6) months of starting employment, along with participating in annual continuing education throughout your employment.

Physical Demand and Work Environment

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Substantial movements of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive manner.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, or move objects.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with fingers.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time including up to 8 hours a day.
• Close vision (clear at 20 inches or less) and distance vision (clear at 20 feet or more).
• Work in a well-lighted, climate-controlled office environment
• Moderate noise (e.g., business office with computers and printers, light traffic).
• Travel requirements for client services, outreach, and community engagement.
• May be required to drive agency vehicle.

The purpose of this position description is to serve as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the position may be required or requested to perform other work duties not specifically listed herein. The organization reserves the right to modify, defer or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.