SafeSpace of East Tennessee is hiring a full-time (M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Shelter Advocate to assist the Shelter Director with providing shelter, safety, and trauma informed services to adult and child residents at their shelter in Jefferson County.

This is a salaried position with health, dental, vision, life insurance benefits, agency matched retirement plan, and paid sick/annual leave. At least 3 to 5 years prior experience working with victims of domestic violence is preferred.

General Description of Duties: 

The incumbent has the primary responsibility of assisting the Shelter Director with the day-to-day operations of the shelter with respect to maintenance, safety, and trauma-informed services to shelter residents including, but not limited to:

• Day to day maintenance, upkeep, and safety of the shelter
• Ensuring food, toiletries, necessities, and supplies are available to shelter residents
• Providing trauma-informed services and safety to shelter residents
• Principal provider and coordination of services to children in shelter

Program Responsibilities: 

• Conduct outreach and networking with other community service providers, court systems, school systems, and law enforcement agencies, and resource providers to enhance services to both the children and adult shelter residents.
• Assist children in shelter with educational related services and assistance, conduct recreational group and individual activities, and conduct individual and group counseling with the children in shelter.
• Teach non-violent conflict resolution, motivational skills, and healthy living skills to both adult and child residents.
• Assist the shelter director with services and support for shelter residents including, but not limited to, arranging and/or transporting residents to necessary appointments, safety planning, counseling and emotional support, crisis intervention, personal and social services advocacy, information and referrals, and relocation assistance.
• Assist the shelter director with the day-to-day shelter duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to, picking up and sorting of donations, supplies, groceries and other necessities.
• Participate in community/multi-agency meetings and boards as requested by the Executive Director
• Engage in awareness events and community programs including, but limited to, speaking engagements, parenting fairs, and such.
• Serve as back-up on call for the crisis line
• Work with volunteers
• Distribution of agency/program materials

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Gather, maintain, and prepare statistical data and reports on a timely basis as requested by the Executive Director
• Input client information and services in the agency’s client database on a timely basis
• Assist the Shelter Director with web-based contact
• Attend all staff meetings and required trainings

Supervision:

The incumbent reports to and works directly under the supervision of the shelter director.

Qualifications, knowledge and Skills Required:

• B.S. or B.A. strongly preferred
• 3 to 5 years previous related experience, with preferred experience of working with victims of domestic violence
• Proficiency in operating computers and programs/data bases necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position, including, but not limited to Word and Excel
• Good verbal, oral, and listening skills with both children and adults
• Valid TN driver’s license and automobile liability insurance
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

If interested, please email your resume to: vansafespace1@msn.com

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Providing direct assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence from initial contact to self-sufficiency.  The Victim Advocate has a strong focus on delivering intervention, prevention, and support services for adults who have experienced violence within intimate relationships. The Advocate is also involved in training efforts, general office/clerical activities, and other activities to maintain and develop program services.  This is a member of a direct service team who works out of the main Fayette Cares office but will be required to perform duties at remote locations in Fayette and neighboring counties. Some on-call, weekend, evening work, and overnight travel will be required. This is a full-time position with vacation, sick, holiday, and retirement plan benefits.

Qualifications and Desired Skills:

• Must support the mission, values, and ethics of Fayette Cares.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or related field; another combination of education/experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with homeless families, and/or victims/survivors of domestic violence preferred.
• Possess excellent administrative and human resources skills including computer expertise, written and oral communication skills, time management skills, self-confidence, initiative, flexibility, and a high degree of professionalism.
• Must be a team player, demonstrate motivation, exercise discretion and dependability, adhere to the business professional code of ethics, require little supervision once trained, and function well under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, email, and databases.
• Demonstrated team building, problem-solving, creative/analytical thinking, and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and disseminate information.
• Must be able to maintain program/client/agency confidentiality, and treat each individual with dignity and respect.
• Ability to interact with diverse populations in a positive, patient, sensitive, and non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

Working Conditions, Physical Demands, and Job Environment

• Ability to handle stress, adapt to change, and transition quickly from one program area to another.
• Access to confidential information.
• Standing, lifting up to 50 lbs. variable distances, mobility and flexibility to use ladders, ability to work outdoors in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Unsupervised contact with vulnerable program participants.
• Access to reliable transportation, proof of adequate insurance, and a valid Tennessee driver’s license.

Interested applicants can apply at www.FayetteCares.org/Careers or send resumes to executivedirector@fayettecares.org. Interviews are by appointment only.