SafeQuest Solano
JOB DESCRIPTION
SHELTER ADVOCATE
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be
performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and
skills required of personnel in this position.
REPORTS TO: Shelter Supervisor / Executive Director
JOB SUMMARY
The Shelter Advocate performs a variety of direct services and administrative tasks to
coordinate and deliver support services to, advocacy for, and crisis intervention on behalf
of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A significant aspect of the work
involves public contact with adult and child victims of violent crime, law enforcement,
partnering community groups/agencies.
The Shelter Advocate is responsible for fostering a spirit of cooperation and
communication within the agency, with law enforcement personnel and community
agencies that enhance the delivery of services and information to victims.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Shelter Advocate
 Answers the 24/7 crisis hot line and provides direct one-on-one crisis counseling,
support, transportation, advocacy, accompaniment, information and referrals to
primary and secondary victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
 Responds to SART’s (Sexual Assault Response Team) at area Emergency
Rooms/Hospitals, per protocol.
 Documents all individual contact activity that occurred on shift and updates the
Shelter Log, (a written recap for the following shift); data entry of shift activity as
indicated.
 Follows and completes New Resident Intake Protocals / documents as well as
completes any resident discharge protocols that occur on shift.
 Transport residents in the agency van or arrange for residents’ transportation,
including emergency transportation, as needed.
 Supports shelter residents’ needs and requests, follows up with supervisor as
indicated to provide quality support and information for residents.
 Strong adherence to and understanding of Residential Rights and Responsibilities.
 Understands and follows all regulatory requirements regarding safety and
confidentiality of clients and the premises (DV Shelter) and of highly sensitive
criminal case intelligence, victim/counseling information at all times.
Shelter Advocate Job Description
1
QUALIFICATIONS:
 Certifications in the 40-hour Domestic Violence counselor/advocate training
required by the State of California, AND the 40 hour Sexual Assault Counselor
training as required by State of California.
 Must have valid CA driver’s license, clean DMV record, reliable auto, and valid auto
liability insurance.
 Must have clear State and FBI criminal background check.
 Bilingual highly preferable: English/Spanish, English/Tagalog, English/Arabic, etc.
 Reliable: excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shifts.
 Must possess strong written and oral communication skills.
 Must possess computer knowledge and skills.
 Ability to work as a team member and have good interpersonal skills.
 Ability to take initiative and work independently and productively with minimal
supervision; meets deadlines.
 Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends and overnights. Must be
available by telephone, on call, and as needed during employee’s scheduled
availability.
 Sensitivity to victims’ issues and needs.
 Has not been a resident of SafeQuest Solano, or any other domestic violence
shelter, nor has been in a domestic violence relationship for one year.
SPECIAL ADA REQUIREMENTS
SafeQuest Solano is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, and will
make reasonable accommodation when necessary.
 For the purposes of ADA, the “Responsibilities” and “Qualifications” are essential
job functions.
 The work environment is primarily a residence for survivors of domestic violence,
women and children, in safe neighborhood. The noise level is moderate.
 Both standing and sitting are required for extended periods of time.
 Vision for near and far distance and ability to hear average or normal
conversations and receive ordinary information are needed. Need to receive and
convey detailed and/or important instructions or ideas accurately, audibility, and
quickly on the telephone and in person.
 Manual dexterity required and able to use wrists, hands and/or fingers in
repetitive motion. Prepare and/or review documents and communications on
computer, on paper, in files.
 Bending, lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds (donations/commodities) required;
lifting from floor or from inside car, inside truck, or from trunk
 Moving up and down stairs in shelter facility.
FLSA:
Non Exempt
Last revised: July, 2013
Shelter Advocate Job Description
2