SUMMARY

Sojourn’s mission is to provide, without prejudice, shelter and support services to adult and child victims of domestic violence; prevent violence through non-dominant child-rearing, and the re-envisioning of gender stereotypes using a philosophy of nonviolence and individual empowerment; and work toward advancing social justice, locally and globally. Through shelter, support groups, workshops, hotline calls, children’s empowerment programming, legal services, and service referrals, Sojourn brings safety, connection, and hope to individuals and families. Sojourn also works to educate the broader community and advance public policy that affirms the rights of oppressed populations. The Counselor Advocate will agree to honor and support the empowerment philosophy of Sojourn and work within the standards and ethics of The People Concern as well as maintain a clear and consistent of Sojourn’s non-violent philosophy, maintain trauma-informed care, and communicate with participants directly and honestly, and actively engage and model program participants, both adult and child in non-violent conflict resolution skills, in a culturally sensitive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1.Client Interaction and Support

1. On-going direct interaction with all program participants (adult and child) living in the shelter
   • Assist in conducting intakes with program participants 
   • Be available throughout shift to assist program participants with crises
   • Assist with client events as necessary (birthdays, special observances, etc.)
2. Prepare bedrooms and bathrooms for intake (linens, towels, toiletries, stuffed animals);  conduct full bedbug protocol for all program participants on initial intake; maintain bug-proof standards
3. Develop and administer programming for program participants such as support and healing groups, individual educational services, gardening (project GROW), A Window Between Worlds, and other healing curricula.
4. Assist with transportation of program participants and their belongings to meetings such as the court, doctors, community resources, and housing appointments as necessary.
5. Assist with shopping for groceries, clothing, and household items as appropriate. Monitor shelter safety and security, including routine, walks of the property; practice and co-lead emergency fire and earthquake drills; and maintain the upkeep of disaster equipment

      2.  Safety 

1. Work with shelter management to report credible suspicions of child abuse
2. Maintain a child-safe environment in shelter and surroundings
3. Ensure compliance with all confidentiality and HIPAA laws.

       3. Collaboration with Teams

1. 24/7 Hotline
2. Train, assist and provide feedback to hotline workers
3. Maintain regular hotline shift per week
4. Conduct hotline second assessments as required
   1. Children
      • Supervise tutors operating in the shelter
      • Occasional care for children utilizing individual empowerment methods
   2. Resources and Advocacy
      • Assist with liaising with outsourced resources and agencies
      • Full and activate participation with shelter case management team
      • Regularly report program status updates to Sojourn’s management team
      • Responsible for the ethical use of all donated or purchased materials, including safe storage of donations
      • Assist with advocating for clients with external agencies and programs to ensure clients get needed services (such as making calls, writing letters, etc., under the guidance of the shelter manager or case managers).
   3. Meetings
      • Attend and actively participate in weekly shelter program meetings, weekly caseload meetings, full-staff meetings, retreats and other learning opportunities as necessary and required
      • Advocate for families at DCFS meetings – attend monitoring meetings as necessary to assist program coordinators and case managers.
   4. Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and/or a combination of education and experience
• Fluency in both English and Spanish and/or bicultural – strongly preferred.
• Use of own vehicle; clean driving record and all auto insurance legally required in the State of California
• Certified in First Aid & CPR; responsibility to remain certified
• Good working knowledge of social service agencies, including government help systems
• Experience with non-profit, community-based organizations
• Experience working with children and working in a domestic violence shelter or shelter environment
• Developed skills in crisis intervention and peer counseling
• Knowledge of parenting skills and the ability to impart such skills to other adults
• Ability to be self-motivated and work as part of a team, including providing scheduled coverage and demonstrating a willingness to cover a shift in an emergency

Work Environment

• Combination of either field and/or office environment depending on position
• On occasion walk or drive to different agency sites
• May/Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments depending on position
• May/Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor depending on position
• May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.

Responsibilities Common To All Agency Employees

• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times
• Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others
• Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration
• Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication
• Work with minimum supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned

The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination in employment. We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.