Shelter Advocate and Per Diem Shelter Advocate

Between $17.50 and $24.50 Per Hour DOE (Depends on Experience) Shelter Advocate and Per Diem Shelter Advocate DOVES of Big Bear Valley, Incorporated

Occupation:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Location:

Big Bear Lake, CA - 92315 Positions available: 1 Job #: 19846572

Source:

CalJOBS

Posted:

04/01/2026

Updated:

04/02/2026

Expires:

05/31/2026

Web Site:

CalJOBS Onsite /

Remote:

Not Specified

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window. Work Onsite Full Time Education Associate's Degree Schedule Full Time Job Type Regular Duration Permanent Employment Public Transit Available Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window.

SHELTER ADVOCATE AND PER DIEM SHELTER ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:

SHELTER ADVOCATE and

PER DIEM SHELTER ADVOCATE

Reports To:

Assistant Shelter Manager(s)

Hours:

May be full-time, part-time, or substitute. This is a non-exempt position. The shelter is open 24 hours, 7 days per week. Hours and/or shifts will be assigned by the Assistant Shelter Manager(s) and may vary depending upon the needs of the shelter. Employees may be asked to work varying shifts to fill in for other employees who may be ill or on vacation.

Salary Non-Exempt Classification:

Benefits:

Benefits are provided for all staff working 30 or more hours per week. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life benefits, 13 paid holidays per year, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The on-call shelter advocate position is not eligible for benefits.

Wages:

Wages are hourly, and range from $17.50 to $24.50 per hour, based on education and/or experience. Benefits begin at a minimum of regular 30 hours per week and are pro-rated from a formula wherein 40 hours per week = 100%. PTO (Paid Time Off) is accrued according to 32/40 hours per week. Employee health insurance is fully paid up to the agency threshold for employees working 30 hours a week or more.

Requirements:

B.A. or B.S. preferred. Bilingual, English-Spanish preferred. Must obtain Domestic Violence Counselor certification within first two weeks of hire, at agency expense. Must obtain First Aid, C.P.R, and Infant C.P.R. certification. Certifications must be maintained and kept current while employed. Must be able to pass DOJ fingerprint clearance and must be free of substance abuse and chemical dependencies. Basic This is a Domestic Violence Counselor position. Responsible for carrying out

Assignment:

the daily operational plan of the shelter for battered victims and their children as directed by the Assistant Shelter Manager(s). Provides a range of counseling and educational services to clients with the goal of teaching skills and empowering the client to live a violence-free life. Maintains client confidentiality at all times. Supervises clients and maintains the security of the shelter facility. Ensures compliance with grant regulations, performs clerical and other tasks as assigned. Manages household operations and maintenance tasks; ensures that facility is kept clean and orderly. Models positive behavior, communications skills, and conflict resolution skills. Relates to clients in a supportive, non-judgmental, non-punitive manner; intervenes in crisis situations in a calm and mature manner; seeks to resolve disputes with mediation and the goal of resolution. Handles all hotline calls as they come in and assists callers with referral services. 1 Recent revision: 02/10/2026 EF

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1.

PROVISION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNSELING, ADVOCACY AND SERVICES TO CLIENTS A.

Becomes thoroughly knowledgeable in aspects of client peer counseling and the various programs and referrals available in order to provide domestic violence services to clients. B. Provides peer counseling and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence as defined by State of California, section 1037.2 defining the range and scope of practice of a Domestic Violence Counselor. C. Interviews and screens the clients to determine immediate need. Provides crisis counseling services and assists clients to develop a safety plan for immediate need. D. Assists client to explore possible options for short-term safety. E. Interviews and screens clients to ascertain level of services needed. F. Opens a case file on each client when needed and charts services provided in the computer system as well as the client's chart. G. If client needs are determined to be within the range and scope of practice of the agency and the counselor, Shelter Advocate assists with helping the client meet his/her goals and objectives. H. If client needs are determined to be outside the range and scope of practice of the counselor and the agency, may make appropriate referrals and/or arranges for transfer of the client. I. Encourages the client to attend appropriate agency support groups. J. If legal advocacy services are needed, refers the client to agency Legal Advocate for assessment and possible provision of services. K. Assists client to obtain welfare or other government services as needed. L. Provides requested social service advocacy for clients with outside agencies and entities such as the employer, children's schools, or government agencies. M. Teaches and empowers the clients to act as their own advocate. N. Assists clients to enter the TANF program as appropriate. O. Captures, records, and maintains accurate service records of all services provided. 2.

PROVISION OF SHELTER-SPECIFIC SERVICES

(All or part of the following may apply, as delegated by the Assistant Shelter Manager(s)) A. Welcomes all new clients and their children to shelter; opens a new client file, conducts intake interview, explains and fills out all intake forms; explains shelter program curriculum and policies to the new client. Assigns living space to the new client and children. B. Assists the client to enroll children in public school, or infants and toddlers in on-site childcare. C. As soon as possible develops a list of short-term needs of the client and the children. Assists the client to develop a list of short-term goals and objectives to take care of short-term needs. D. Teaches client and her children about shelter policies and child discipline policy. E. Adds client's name to chore charts, shower schedule and laundry schedule. F. Supervises all clients while they are in shelter and ensures that all policies are followed. G. Serves as a Peer Counselor to all clients; listens to their stories, talks with clients on an individual and group basis. Maintains positive, empowering, and encouraging attitude. H. Intervenes as necessary between clients and their children. Models and teaches "positive parenting" methods to clients. I. Intervenes and mediates all inter-client disputes. Models and teaches effective communication skills and conflict resolution skills. J. Conducts house meetings when necessary. K. Reports any suspected client drug and/or alcohol use to Assistant Shelter Manager(s) immediately. L. Ensures that each client keeps their living space clean and orderly every day; ensures that all clients able are completing house chores assigned; performs inspections as necessary. M. Assists transition client to obtain permanent housing. N. Counsels with client on any problems encountered during transition activities. O. Conducts exit interviews when clients leave the program. P. Assists exiting clients with placement and/or transfer. Q. Refers exiting clients to appropriate Outreach Center for follow-up services. R. Performs follow-up services to former shelter clients who request them. 2 Recent revision: 02/10/2026 EF S. Answers crisis hotline as assigned; provides peer counseling and referrals to hotline callers, completes hotline call sheet, and enters data into the computer. 3.

SECURITY OF THE SHELTER FACILITY A.

Responsible for all security precautions; keeps all doors locked, questions all visitors and ascertains their identity, maintains telephone security. B. Follows prescribed facility security procedures. C. Conducts evacuation drills per schedule. D. Checks all lights, batteries in smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc., per schedule. E. Calls Sheriff if necessary; informs Residential Program Manager. 4.

SUPERVISION OF THE SHELTER FACILITY A.

Facility must be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Inspects entire facility daily. B. Follows facility repair/replacement policy. Arranges for repair/replacement according to policy. C. Prepares requisition lists for needed program supplies, office supplies, cleaning supplies, groceries, etc. Submits to Assistant Shelter Manager(s) for approval. D. Stocks food pantry and supply items as requested. 5.

CLERICAL RESPONSIBILITIES A.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date progress notes and case management notes in assigned client files. B. Maintains accurate lists of program service statistics; submits to agency statistician in a timely manner. C. Writes accurate log notes of shift's activities and client behavior. D. Reports daily events and client progress at shift-end to incoming shift. E. Prepares reports, forms, correspondence, filing, etc., as requested by Assistant Shelter Manager(s). F. Maintains receipts for any and all expenditures. 6.

ACTIVITIES PLANNING A.

Plans and implements recreational activities for clients and/or their children as needed or as directed. Involves clients in the planning process if appropriate. Uses the opportunity to demonstrate to parents the need and purpose for planned recreational activities. B. Plans and implements outside field trips. Follows field trip policy. 7.

VOLUNTEERS A.

Facilitates and works with volunteers who are working at the shelter. 8.

GENERAL STAFF FUNCTIONS

A. Reports directly to the Assistant Shelter Manager(s). B. Assumes leadership and responsibility for shelter services while on duty and/or in the absence of the Assistant Shelter Manager(s). C. Is a team member of the Program Services Department, assisting with, or performing other tasks and assignments as requested; acts as a team member of the entire agency at all times. D. Provides suggestions for improvement of the agency and the improvement of client services. E. Maintains positive and cordial relations with all other staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors. F. Models positive behavior, communications and conflict resolution skills. G. Informs Assistant Shelter Manager(s) and/or Executive Director and/or Board of Directors of all pertinent information. H. Attends required staff trainings and meetings. I. Ensures client confidentiality. J. Ensures that services are culturally competent and inclusive. K. As time permits, seeks to become cross-trained in other areas of the agency operations to provide maximum assistance to the agency. L. Adheres to all agency policies and procedures at all times. M. Actively supports agency fund raising activities by participating in advance promotion or working a position at the event(s) as assigned by the Executive Director. N. Positively promotes the agency and its programs. O. Dresses appropriately for the position. 3 Recent revision: 02/10/2026 EF P. Deliver services using a Trauma-Informed Care approach. Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma Informed Care also emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both clients and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Q. Other duties as assigned. 9.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Shelter Advocate must be able to lift 20 lbs., long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, vacuuming, and climbing 15 steps inside the house often throughout the shift in addition to cleaning and organizing garage and be able to climb a ladder weekly to check on smoke detectors. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions or qualifications associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise.