Shelter Services Advocate DAS Leeward (PT)

Established in 1899, Child & Family Service (CFS) is a community-based organization with a mission of strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children. CFS has been a fierce advocate for children and families in the midst of social injustices and inequalities.  Our statewide support, counseling, and therapeutic programs help individuals and families heal from trauma, prevent abuse and neglect, and can break the cycle of generational poverty.

MISSION STATEMENT

Strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children.

OUR VISION

Healthy, thriving individuals and families building strong, multicultural communities across generations.

OUR VALUES

HOPE values: Humility, Ownership, Perseverance, Engagement

We offer an extensive array of benefits for our employee including paid time off, preventative health care paid time off, birthday floating holiday, volunteer floating holiday, 16 Paid Holidays in a Year (17 in an Election Year), Medical/Dental/Vision/RX plans, Opt-out incentive, 401(k), flexible spending plans, & more.

Come join Child & Family Service and help us serve thousands in our communities! 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Shelter Manager or Program Supervisor, the Shelter Services Advocate is responsible for promoting an environment that provides participants a sense of empowerment, improves their well-being, and increases their ability to live safely and independently. The Shelter Services Advocate is primarily responsible for ensuring that participants’ basic needs are met, i.e., they have food, clothing and shelter, and that they are safe and supported while in the shelter program. Provides Trauma-Informed engagement and services to all participants, where the focus is on building healthy relationships and utilizing the healthy relationships to empower participants and help them to heal from their trauma.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

•  High school, plus additional courses or specialized training at business or community college, or other formal training facility or program.  Requires ability to understand and carry out assigned duties effectively.  Knowledge needed such as stenography, office routines, elementary accounting procedures; operation of equipment such as bookkeeping and billing machines, tabulating equipment, transcription machines.

EXPERIENCE

• Over one year, up to and including two years.
• Other (Specify): 
  • Minimum a high school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of work experience in the domestic violence field or with a related target group and children.
  • Two (2) years of work experience is preferred. Experience in working with adults  and children who have been exposed to domestic violence, or related group required. Staff who do not meet the experience requirement must have at least six (6) months of work experience in the domestic violence field or with a related target group and complete the following prior to independently providing direct services:
    1. Initial training
    2. 80 hours of shadowing a qualified staff member in the same position
    3. 40 hours of being shadowed by a qualified staff member in the same position
    4. Enhanced six (6) months training and close supervision plan submitted to DHS/SSD Designee within the first week of the employment.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and trauma-informed care highly desired.
• Ability to engage, empower, and communicate effectively, respectfully, and empathetically with survivors from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Able to work evenings, overnight and weekends.
• Must be able to work independently and with minimal supervision. On some shifts, the shelter services advocate is the only staff member on duty.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• This job requires a valid Hawaii driver's license, a clear driver's abstract, and use of personal vehicle to transport participants, as needed, as well as a willingness to travel in personal vehicle on an as-needed basis throughout the island.
• This job requires a valid Hawaii driver's license, a clear driver's abstract, and use of agency vehicle to transport participants, as needed, as well as a willingness to travel in personal vehicle on an as-needed basis throughout the island.
• This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and continued employment is contingent on a record clear of convictions.
• Continued employment in this position is contingent on successful completion of CPR, CPI and/or van driving training as such training is necessary to ensure ability/continued ability to perform essential functions of this job.
• Continued employment in this position is contingent on successful completion of CPI classes OR other Behavioral Management certification as may be contract-mandated.
• Continued employment in this position is contingent on successful completion of First Aid classes.
• Requires contacts both inside and outside the organization in order to furnish or obtain information and/or provide participant services. Normal courtesy, tact and discretion required.  

At Child & Family Service, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We apply this to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, transfer, leave of absence and termination.