FT, PT, & PRN Shelter Advocate Job Openings
The Heights General Overview:
The Heights is a member of Alliance For Hope International that embodies the family justice center model. The Heights is one of about 300 centers who are a part of the affiliation all over the world.
The family justice center model was funded in 2003 by President George W. Bush and has been designated as a best-practice model for family abuse intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice.
A family justice center brings together multiple agencies under one roof seeking to allow victims of domestic abuse to tell their story one time and get all the help they need in one place.
The Heights FJC brings together crisis workers, law enforcement officers, EMT’s, medical doctors, nurses, CPS associates, social workers, government offices, community organizations, lawyers, the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, Ellis County Judges, counselors, therapists, long term case managers and the faith community to serve survivors with compassion and empathy.
All of these professionals work together to provide victims of crime and the community with safety, justice, hope, healing and peace
Overview of Open Shelter Advocate Positions:
Role 1: Full Time Day 1 - Week 1: 6a-6:30p M, Tu, Sa; Week 2: 6a-6:30p Su, Th, F
Role 2: Full Time Day 2 - Week 1: 6a-6:30p Su, W, Th; Week 2: 6a-6:30p M, Tu, Sa
Role 3: Full Time Night 1 - Week 1: 6p-6:30a S, M, Fr; Week 2: 6p-6:30a Sa, W, Th
Role 4: Full Time Night 2 - Week 1: 6p-6:30a Sa, Tu, W; Week 2: 6p-6:30a Su, M, F
Role 5: Part Time Evenings - 6pm-10pm M-F weekly
Role 6: PRN Day - Week 1: 6a-6:30p F; Week 2: 6a-6:30p W
Role 7: PRN Night - Week 1: 6p Th -6:30a F; Week 2: 6p Tu - 6:30a W
Direct Service Staff Overview:
The Heights direct service staff provides crisis intervention, case management services, advocacy, information, referrals, and practical assistance to survivors of violent crime, (victims of domestic abuse) providing client-centered safety assessments and risk management plans as well as long term case management.
General Responsibilities:
Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients;
Coordinate and manage client flow and information
Document client interactions and compile statistics on a monthly basis;
Provide daily accurate data collection and reporting to The Heights Staff to track basic client screening needs, client demographic information, client services provided at The Heights and other agency interactions.
Essential Job Functions:
Shelter Advocates play a critical role in supporting the safety, healing, and empowerment of survivors of domestic violence and their children residing in our emergency shelter. They provide compassionate, trauma-informed advocacy and hospitality, ensuring daily operations run smoothly, and maintaining a secure, respectful, and supportive environment for residents. Shelter Advocates directly support survivors during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, helping them access services and take steps toward freedom and hope. At times, the Shelter Advocate may be the sole staff member on duty, requiring a high level of independence, responsibility, and crisis response capability.
The Shelter Advocate will greet clients who access The Heights. Their responsibilities may include some or all of the following:
Key Responsibilities
Resident Support & Advocacy
Provide direct support to survivors, their children, and pets using trauma-informed, client-centered, and empowerment-based approaches.
Conduct intakes, orientations, needs assessments, and exits for residents.
Respond to residents’ emotional, physical, and practical needs during each shift.
Model and maintain respectful, nonjudgmental, and culturally responsive communication.
Crisis Intervention & Safety
Respond calmly and effectively to crises, including conflict, escalated emotions, or safety concerns.
Enforce shelter rules and boundaries to ensure a safe and healing environment.
Execute emergency procedures and contact protocols with confidence and accuracy.
Complete wellness and safety checks as needed throughout the shift.
Operations & Administration
Answer the crisis hotline and provide safety planning, referrals, and intake screening.
Document all resident interactions and shift activities in a timely and accurate manner.
Complete routine facility checks, light cleaning, room turnover, and basic upkeep to maintain a welcoming and sanitary space.
Ensure shift transitions are smooth by completing logs and communicating key updates.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate with other advocates, case managers, and leadership to coordinate care.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
Uphold the mission, vision, values and culture of the shelter and the Heights organization.
Demonstrate professional integrity at all times.
Other Responsibilities:
Serve clients through our 24 Hour 24 Bed Emergency Shelter program that includes:
Following the guide lines for shelters from the Texas Council Of Violence.
Provide shelter residents needs: food, clothing, medical care, hygiene needs, etc
Help answer 24 hour hot line as needed
Learn and use shelter security system
Monitor security cameras as needed.
Plan, direct, and serve daily activities for residents
Help coordinate school attendance for child residents
Coordinate and manage client flow and information;
Staff the reception desk;
Assess clients' safety and needs;
Determine client needs;
Screen clients as needed to determine if clients are appropriate for The Heights services and make referrals as necessary;
Conduct homicide danger assessments in person or on the phone
Develop a safety plan for each client
Attend staff meetings
Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings
Assist in determining next steps for clients' visit to The Heights;
Work with on-site partners to schedule client appointments;
Answer telephones and respond to service inquiries;
Provide information, referrals and advocacy on the phone and in person;
Link the client to on and off site partners;
Attend court with clients
Accompany clients to the hospital as needed.
Document client interactions and compile statistics on a monthly basis;
Provide daily accurate data collection and reporting to The Heights Staff to track basic client screening needs, client demographic information, client services provided at The Heights and other agency interactions;
Attend relevant training, workshops and seminars;
Maintain cooperative working relationships with other service providers;
Perform other duties as assigned.
Reports To:
Service Director (Currently)
Emergency Housing Coordinator (Future)
Interacts with:
The Heights staff and partners
Requirements:
Consistent, dependable attendance required due to 24/7 emergency operations.
Experience working compassionately and kindly with individuals in crisis, survivors of trauma, or vulnerable populations.
Capacity to maintain a calm, non-reactive demeanor with residents, children and pets.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; culturally competent and nonjudgmental.
Basic computer literacy, spreadsheet, reporting, and documentation skills.
Willingness to partner with law enforcement for safety and security.
Must pass criminal background check and complete required DV advocate training.
High school diploma or equivalent (GED); some college or relevant training preferred.
The position calls for up to 12.5 hr shifts (day/night)
Working Holidays and weekends is required
May involve lifting 25 lbs, climbing, cleaning, and responding to emergencies
Includes both desk work and active, on-your-feet support throughout the facility.
Preferred:
Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, or other languages)
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, domestic violence dynamics and housing systems
Prior shelter or residential program experience
CPR/First Aid certification (if needed, will be provided)
Qualifications:
Candidates should be assertive, well organized, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to think critically and address crisis situations as they arise;
Knowledge of Microsoft windows and be computer savvy;
Experience working with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or other crime victims preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Salary & Benefits:
$50,000 Annually
Major medical healthcare is paid in full by the employer with no additional costs for the employee, spouse, and children who live with employee under the age of 25.