Shelter Advocate Staff- Evenings - Elizabeth Freeman Center - Berkshire County

Shelter Advocate Staff- Evenings

$23.00 - $24.00 Per Hour

Berkshire County

Part Time

Social Services
Nonprofit
Administrative / Phone Duty

High School or Equivalent
Required

Up to One Year
Preferred

Bilingual - Preference: Preferred
Excellent time management skills - Preference: Preferred
Massachusetts Drivers license - Preference: Required

Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Shelter Advocate for the evening shift – 4.00 pm to midnight. The shelter advocate will work as part of the shelter team to provide comprehensive services to families living in emergency shelter due to domestic or sexual violence. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, calm under pressure, and committed to promoting a supportive and trauma-informed environment. $250 sign on bonus after 90 days of succcessful employment. 

Responsibilities include:

• Help to create a safe, welcoming, well-maintained environment for all guests in shelter
• Provide support services, including:
  • being a visible presence and support to guests in residence at all times
  • assist with house walk-throughs and security checks
  • providing crisis intervention and de-escalation for guests in distress
  • completing proper timely documentation and file reviews
  • respond effectively to emergency situations
• Answer 24-hour hotline during shift
• Care for the physical wellbeing of the house, including cleaning and disinfecting areas
• Participate in regular trainings as possible and engage in continuing professional development
• Maintain appropriate and professional boundaries with shelter guests and adhere to confidentiality guidelines and protocols
• Adhere to the Shelter’s policies and procedures
• Complete all other duties to promote the agency’s mission 

Work Hours: 40 hours per week.

Compensation and benefits:

• Competitive salary starting at $23/hour ($47,840 annually) plus $1/hour differential for bilingual English/Spanish skills if applicable
• Comprehensive Health, dental, and vision insurance. EFC pays 85% of health insurance premiums and contributes to an FSA.
• Year-end bonus depending on funding.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Supervised by: Shelter Director

Applying:
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@elizabethfreemancenter.org  Deadline is rolling until position has been filled.

 Qualifications:

• Commitment to a positive, nonjudgmental and “reduced rules” shelter philosophy (see How the Earth Didn’t Fly into the Sun for more information)
• Ability to climb and descend stairs and lift/carry up to 35 pounds
• Ability to clean and sanitize all areas of shelter regularly, including operating cleaning equipment and utilizing chemical cleaning supplies
• Flexibility in working hours and the willingness to work holidays
• Personal and/or work experience in domestic violence, sexual violence, or trauma
• Commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work, and respect for cultural diversity
• High School Diploma and Associate or Bachelor’s Degree, and/or relevant work or life experience
• Strong listening and empathetic skills, good written and spoken communication, and proficient computer skills
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to multitask, keep excellent records, and fulfill all reporting requirements
• Ability to take 50-hour training (training time is paid)
• Must successfully pass Criminal Record Check-CORI and have valid Massachusetts driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation
• Bilingual skills (English and Spanish/other) preferred (and compensated at higher rate)

Applying: To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@elizabethfreemancenter.org  Deadline is rolling until position has been filled.