Bilingual Outreach Advocate Position Available In Benton, Arkansas

Bilingual Outreach Advocate NWA Women’s Shelter Rogers, AR 72756

JOB TITLE:

Outreach Advocate Supervise:

None Classification:

Full-time, non-exempt Position Funded by a

Grant:

Yes Reports to: Shelter Managers

JOB SUMMARY

Advocate answers incoming crisis calls and provides information and referrals about services and community resources. Completes paperwork upon admission and departures of families. Provides one-on one advocacy and case management to families receiving services. Works together with other team members to ensure families follow guidelines and safety procedures. Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter facility. Works with families after they have left shelter and entered the Rehousing Program. Participates in On-Call rotation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must be bilingual in Spanish and able to translate forms and other documents as needed. Establishes new relationships and strengthens existing relationships with landlords/property owners to increase the pool willing to rent to survivors. Develops relationships and collaborates with community partners to provide clients with appropriate referrals and resources. Primary point of contact for families served through the Rehousing Program. Schedules and meets with Rehousing participants on a monthly basis until completion of program. Submits financial requests and accompanying paperwork in a timely manner in order for requests to be approved by Supervisors and checks to be written in time. Occasionally participates in special events, fundraising and public presentations. Coordinates services along with Social worker for survivors seeking counseling services. Coordinates outreach services along with the Court Advocate for survivors seeking assistance with Orders of Protection, requests to drop No Contact Orders and other justice system related needs. Provides trauma-informed direct services to victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault and their children including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals. Models and actively promotes positive, nurturing interactions between adults and children. Understands and utilizes principles of trauma informed care and the empowerment philosophy of advocacy. Communicates shelter rules and communal living guidelines to residents during shift. Reviews emergency procedures with other staff and residents on monthly basis and as need arises. Takes appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining a safe environment for residents and staff, and reports such situations in writing to supervisor. Records documentation related to client services, progress notes and financial assistance into the client data system. Performs regular pack ups and records property belonging to clients who have abandoned shelter. Facilitates and schedules transportation of clients to and/or from appointments and when relocating as needed. Email requests to Shelter Managers to address maintenance issues as they arise. Maintains shelter office space in accordance with Shelter Program procedures. Participates in On Call rotation. Attends and participates in scheduled weekly and monthly meetings. Spends night at shelter in unusual circumstances, such as snow storm, or other emergency situation. Maintains various certifications of trainings in Domestic violence and Sexual Assault, meeting 10 CEU’s annually. Exhibits exemplary attendance and punctuality. Complies with company policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & RELATED EXPERIENCE

Dedication to the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. Dedication to the empowerment model of service delivery.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, family and human services, or related field is required. Experience in social services and/or family violence. Knowledge of dynamics of families in crisis, ability to de-escalate situations of conflict. No prior felony convictions for violent offenses. Background checks and drug test will be conducted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Commitment to

Quality Service:

Builds and maintains client/community satisfaction with the services offered. Demonstrate proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and other applications as well as experience using and entering data into client databases.

Team Focused & Collaborative:

Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objectives.

Self-Accountability & Work Standards:

Sets high standards of performance for self and assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks. Demonstrates the ability to make every decision using common sense and good judgement.

Stress tolerance:

Maintains composure during emergency and crisis situations.

Professionalism and Personal Boundaries:

Conducts self within appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.

Conflict Management:

Helps others with conflict resolution.

Valuing Diversity:

Helps to create an environment that embraces diversity.

Confidentiality:

Able to follow policies and procedures regarding confidentiality. Ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions. Flexibility to meet with clients outside of normal business hours as clients’ needs evolve. Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and reliable transportation. Must be able to provide transportation to NWAWS clients in shelter vehicles.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. However, the Advocate will be expected to interact with co-workers and families we serve, on a daily basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are typically performed at the NWAWS facility. The work environment is usually controlled indoor environment with a moderate level of noise. The position requires frequent travel for client transportation, meeting and/or training; occasional over-time work may be required throughout the year. Additionally the work pace can be fast and stressful at times. Occasional risk of verbal and physical confrontation as part of the work environment. Exposure to chemical products for maintaining shelter cleanliness This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time. Consistent with all federal and state disability laws, NWAWS will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship to the organization. NWAWS provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 – $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person