Franklin County Shelter Advocate

Safe Voices is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry or national origin, color, sex, immigration status, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Safe Voices, a domestic violence and sex trafficking resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties, is hiring for a Shelter Advocate. This position is based in Franklin County and has limited travel needs. Safe Voices’ Franklin County shelter is a 4-8 bed communal living facility serving all survivors of domestic abuse and violence, regardless of gender identity. Safe Voices shelters are pet-friendly, so staff should be comfortable with animals and their care, as well as providing emotional and crisis support as well as advocacy to guests. The Shelter Advocate is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations and programming of the shelter and providing advocacy and case management services to survivors of domestic abuse and violence receiving shelter services through Safe Voices. Individual Advocacy: Develop and support comprehensive safety plans with persons served Provide emotional support and validation that recognizes and acknowledges the feelings experienced by the survivor Facilitate support groups as needed Collaborate with community-based services to make appropriate referrals for survivors Complete required paperwork/documentation/data entry accurately, factually, concisely and monitor and document progress toward established goals and outcomes Offer supportive advocacy services, structure, and assistance around recovery plans as appropriate Assist with shelter donation management Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and maintenance of the shelter property Provide crisis intervention to individuals and families Maintain high level of confidentiality Case Management: No billing hours required Assist survivors in reaching their self-identified goals Assist survivors in completing applications for the Victim’s Compensation Program, Address Confidentiality Program and other needed supports Assist survivors in securing their rights and services through the legal and medical systems and refer survivors to other agencies for supports and services as needed Develop a goal plan based on the individual/family needs, addressing health, social, financial, housing, and other survivor-identified needs Monitor and document progress toward established goals and complete discharge plan Establish relationships with collateral agencies on behalf of victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children Complete Intakes and Discharges from Shelter Ensure that plans of care incorporate special needs of persons served, including their cultural background Attend community meetings as needed and requested by supervisor Complete required reporting Agency Activities: Attend and actively participate in staff development opportunities and trainings as appropriate Participate in community committees and/or collaboratives as appropriate Attend and assist with agency fundraising activities and events Provide coverage on 24-hr Helpline as scheduled and requested Participate in agency events, meetings, and activities Perform other duties as assigned Follow safety plans and protocols as directed Assist in training and orientation of new staff and volunteers Participate in at least one internal agency committee Abide by agency policies, procedures, and protocols Maintain ethical and professional standards Maintain and clean and professional workspace As needed, complete Mandated Reports in compliance with Safe Voices standards Qualifications: Pass State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) check Pass Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) check Pass Department of Motor Vehicle check Pass Fingerprinting test Hold valid Maine driver’s license, reliable transportation and willingness to travel on occasion Ability to work independently, and as a contributing member of a professional, effective work team Ability to accurately document and complete paperwork by due date Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment where safety is key Must be dependable and flexible in a changing work environment Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills Must possess strong problem-solving skills Must possess strong attention to detail Ability to use Microsoft Office suite and data management software Ability to participate in the training and orientation of new employees and volunteers Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served Knowledge of crisis intervention skills or techniques Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries Must possess knowledge of domestic violence issues Education: Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field (preferred, not required) Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Ability to travel in varying weather conditions Occasional walking/transporting Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds Adhere to universal safety precautions We are currently hiring for one position. Pay starts at $21.74 per hour and will increase based on experience. As of October 1, 2024, starting pay will increase to $23.25 per hour, and will increase based on experience. Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance are 100% covered at no cost to employees. Accident insurance available at low cost. Employer-sponsored health savings account for qualifying plans, with $1,500 deposit from employer. For non-HSA plans, employer pays $1,500 toward deductible. 401K retirement savings w/employer match 13 paid holidays (to include Juneteenth & Indigenous People’s Day) 20 Days of accrued leave in first year Flexible, family-friendly work options (to include compressed work schedule) Interested applicants can submit their resume and letter of interest to Jaime Merrill at jmerrill@safevoices.org. Resumes submitted without cover letters will not be reviewed. Safe Voices is an equal opportunity employer, committed to growing a diverse staff. We strongly encourage application from candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders/gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and those with lived experience of domestic violence or sexual exploitation or trafficking. In addition, candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, ancestry or national origin, sex, immigration status, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Pay: $21.74 - $23.25 per hour