Shelter Advocate

Safety. Hope. Empowerment.

LAWS is seeking to hire for its pool of After-Hours Shelter Advocates for the current shifts (T/Th/F evenings 4:00-9:00pm; weekend days (Sat/Sun) 9:00am-5:00pm, and overnights M/W/Th/F/Sun 9:00pm-9:00am). Do you have a passion and empathy for helping others in stressful situations? Are you seeking fulfilling part-time (shift) work during non-traditional work hours? Would you like to join a values-driven nonprofit that is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting staff with ongoing professional growth opportunities? If so, please read on!

ABOUT LAWS

Founded in 1984 as Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice, Inc., LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (LAWS) is Loudoun County's designated nonprofit to provide domestic violence and sexual assault survivors with services and supports. In addition to operating an emergency domestic violence shelter and a 24/7 survivor hotline, LAWS provides therapy, advocacy, and legal services to adult, youth, and child victims of domestic and sexual violence. LAWS also operates the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center for child abuse victims, and it works to stop violence before it starts with prevention and outreach programming. LAWS also runs The Resourceful Woman in downtown Leesburg - a thrift store that benefits LAWS services and provides survivors with clothing and household items.

Our mission is to provide victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse with safety, hope, and empowerment services to live as survivors free from the effects of violence. All services are confidential and free of charge.

The work of the LAWS team is well-respected, rewarding, and important!

THE AFTER-HOURS SHELTER ADVOCATE ROLE

LAWS' shelter advocates provide trauma-informed, direct support for individuals and families who stay in LAWS' emergency shelter due to experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. This critical position also provides after hours support by answering hotline calls and law enforcement referral calls for survivors in high danger, providing crisis intervention, safety planning, resource information, and referrals. The shelter advocate responds to requests for shelter and makes shelter arrangements, as appropriate; occasionally provides client transportation or accompaniment for forensic medical exams; coordinates follow-up services; and facilitates shelter activities. The shelter advocate follows documentation and data entry protocols for compliance with agency and grant requirements. LAWS provides comprehensive initial training and ongoing continuing education opportunities.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

• Empathy

• Accountability

• Empowerment

• Adaptability

• Effective Communication

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree, equivalent level in a Bachelors program, or two years' related experience (e.g., shelter, hotline, other crisis intervention services).
  • Degree disciplines: Social work, psychology, sociology, public health, human development, education, or similar degrees
• Bi-lingual, highly advantageous

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

We understand your time is valuable, so we have a quick and easy application process. If you are an empathetic person with a deep passion for helping others, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to your application! (A cover letter is much appreciated.)