POSITION SUMMARY
Explain the purpose for the position and summarize the responsibilities.
The Pathways Shelter Coordinator provides advocacy services to victims/survivors of interpersonal violence by
staffing the shelter, crisis line and walk in hours, and by providing overnight coverage. In addition to the duties of
Pathways advocates, the Shelter Coordinator works with the Pathways Program Manager to maintain proper records,
prepare reports, support other advocates and ensure the upkeep of the shelter. Performance of duties reflects the
YWCA’s value that all people will be treated with respect and dignity and approached with recognition of their
individual importance.
QUALIFICATIONS
POSITION REQUIRED
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Minimum qualifications for skills, abilities, knowledge, experience, and education.
DIRECT SERVICES














Meets potential residents; provides intake screening and placement into Shelter during shift.
Meets
residents
individually
and field
provides
peer counseling as requested
 B.S.with
in human
services
or related
preferred.
Provides
advocacy
management)
residents
in the
 Currentservice
Montana
driver’s(case
license
and proof ofto
auto
insurance
in shelter.
compliance with Montana state law.
Coordinates
services
Children’s
Program
to serve and/or
familiessexual
in Pathways
 At least one
year’s with
experience
working
with advocates
domestic violence
assault.services.
Facilitates
resolution
with crises
that management.
may arise during the shift.
 One year’s
experience
with case
Provides
advocacy
by attending
court
and other
meetings
residents.
 Must pass
a background
check
designed
to protect
the with
interest
of women and children served by the YWCA
programs.
Provides
crisis counseling and support as needed at the Shelter.
 An understanding
of domestic
and sexual
violence
issues.
Facilitates
problem solving
with residents
as issues
arise
in the Shelter.
 Understanding
of the
and political
complexities
of sexual
and domestic violence.
Organizes,
facilitates
andsocial
participates
in weekly
shelter house
meetings.
 Ability to
maintain confidential
information.
Maintains
confidential
written client
files as needed.
 Ability the
to respond
appropriately
Answers
Crisis Line
as needed.to crisis situations.
 Ability
to In
provide
to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Staffs
Walk
hourscase
at themanagement
YWCA as needed.
 Ability to significant
be assertive
and effectively
apply
management
techniques.
Documents
occurrences
during
the conflict
shift, including
significant
client behavior.

Ability
to
delegate
tasks
to
staff
and
volunteers
at
the
shelter.
Advocates for client in a cooperative manner with law enforcement personnel, hospital staff, and other officials as
needed.
 Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, and representatives from related agencies in the
community.
 Provides
overnight crisis line and response coverage, including regular Staff Back Up rotations with other
managers.
 Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals, including adult and child clients, peers,
and
supervisors.
 Acts volunteers,
as a positive
role
model for Shelter residents and other Pathways participants: is flexible, compassionate and
direct;
addresses
violent
language and
by in
providing
positive breakdowns
alternatives. and to work toward resolution
 Willingness
to take
responsibility
for behavior
his/her part
communication
of resulting problems.
 Ability to successfully offer, accept and act on constructive criticism.
SHELTER
MAINTENANCE
AND COORDINATION:
 An interest
in and respectful
attitude toward all people.
 Monitors
Shelter
systemsfor
tostatistics
maximizegathering
efficiencyand
andword
minimize
waste;purposes.
generates ideas for improvement.
 Ability the
to use
a computer
processing
 Informs
Pathways
Manager
and
Maintenanceskills.
Technician of any services or repairs that are needed; works with
 Strong
written, verbal,
and
organizational
the
Pathways
to ensure
safety
and maintenance
upkeep.
 Good
work Manager
habits, including
ability
to organize
and manage
time and information
 Coordinates a monthly checklist of safety checks and maintenance upkeep activities to ensure tasks are
completed.
 Assists Pathways Manager with coordination of yearly Spring Cleaning at the shelter.
 Provides guidance and support to the volunteer advocate staff.
 Provides supervision to BSW practicum students, interns, and AmeriCorps Volunteers.
 Assigns tasks to peers and ensures follow up as needed.
 Enters statistical data into computer as directed by Pathways Manager and submits resulting reports.
 Conducts reports for the Montana Food Network and assists on other reports as requested by the Pathways
Manager.
 Buys food and supplies as needed, including drop off and pick up of laundry.
 Insures adherence to shelter safety practices.
 Participates in weekly Pathways meetings and facilitates meetings when requested by the Pathways Manager.
Acts as a leader among Pathways advocates.
.
Last updated 5/2015
GENERAL DUTIES
SIGNATURES
 Acts as a positive role model:
works hard; is fair, flexible, and committed to communication.
 Works within the empowerment advocacy model.
 Participates in YWCA staff meetings.
 Participates in the Advocate meetings as requested.
This
section
needsDirector
to be to
beothers
completed
upon hire
dateofor
revision of description by the staff
 Alerts
Executive
and
as appropriate,
to areas
concern.

Reports
incidents
of
child
abuse
to
the
Pathways
Manager,
the
Executive
and Director Child Protective Services.
member, direct supervisor, and Office Manager.
 Helps train new staff and volunteers.
 Adheres
to YWCA policy, guidelines and practices.
Staff
Member:
Date:
 Acts as a responsible team member.
 Projects a positive image of the YWCA, using effective public relations skills.
 Attends community meetings, such as the Healthy Indian Family Consortium, Missoula Family Violence Council,
Supervisor:
Date:
ARHC, and others when requested by the Pathways Manager.
 Exhibits friendliness toward and consideration of clients, employees, volunteers and the general public.
 In general, demonstrates energy and enthusiasm for work.
Office
Manager
Date:
 Shows
competence as an information source about the YWCA and related
Missoula agencies.
 Displays an awareness of and ability to deal with diversity among people, including disabilities among clients.
 Displays a neat appearance and competent manner.
 Performs other job related duties as assigned.
REPORTS TO:
This position reports to the Pathways Manager and works with all staff and volunteers in Pathways, Transitional
Housing, Emergency Housing and Planet Kids. This position has daily contact with other employees and adult and
child clients, as well as regular contact with personnel from other agencies
LEVEL OF INDEPENDENT DISCRETION, CONSEQUENCE OF ACTIONS: This person, within the parameters of
YWCA policies and procedures, exercises a moderate level of independence in decision making. Significant errors in
judgment may endanger the health and safety of the clients and/or staff and may cause serious financial and/or legal
repercussions for the YWCA.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Physical effort may be required to do the following: sitting, standing, walking, bending,
reaching; playing with and lifting children up to 50 pounds; transporting groceries and supplies. Exposure to difficult
situations, emotionally taxing client circumstances and physical aggression may be encountered. Must be able to
operate basic office machines, to communicate by telephone, orally, and in writing. On call component as crisis
situations and emergencies arise in the program.