SUMMARY:
Shelter Advocates are responsible for providing direct service to victims residing in the Mille Lacs Band Women’s Shelter and on crisis line. Ensure the cleanliness of the shelter facility. Shelter advocates are employees scheduled on a Full time and Part time schedule. This is an awake position. Shelter Advocates are directly supervised by the Shelter Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• One year of experience working with or knowledge of domestic violence issues.
• Knowledge of tribal customs, traditions, and beliefs.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of professional level people.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Experience working with Native American community.
• Basic computer literacy skills.
• Strong commitment to ending domestic violence and abuse.
• Familiar with or willing to learn statutes regarding domestic abuse
• Familiar with laws regarding confidentiality and ability to deal appropriately with confidential information.
• Capable of independent judgment and decision-making.
• Provide child care for residents when necessary
• Experience in co-facilitating trainings and community education.
• Experience in co-facilitating support groups.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and be insurable under the Band’s Auto Insurance Policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test, and background check.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct assessment of potential residents to assure the program can meet their needs.
• Assist adult residents and their children as necessary.
• Answer crisis line telephone and provide crisis line back-up.
• Function as an advocate for the victims of domestic violence.
• Facilitate support groups for victims of domestic violence.
• Provide crisis and support services to residents.
• Provide transportation for women and children to court hearings and other appointments.
• Maintain a working knowledge of policies, regulations, and standards in domestic violence field.
• Assist residents in requesting an Order for Protection, including writing requests for an Order for Protection attending court hearings, and following up when residents report Order for Protection (OFP) violation.
• Assist in the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the Shelter.
• Assist in various fund raising activities and the toy drive.
• Maintain an awareness and inform residents on other resources they may be eligible for and in need of.
• Assist with the review and revision of resident policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Recommend additional polices, procedures, and protocols as appropriate.
• Notify those responsible for supply requisition when supplies are low.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Nature of work is such that incumbent experiences periods of moderate stress levels while dealing with residents, children, family members, and others.
• Work hours are normally eight-hour shifts but may be required to take after-hour calls to handle emergencies. Will also be required to have and answer on-call cell phone as necessary.
• Moderate threat of personal danger or risk, although advocacy for residents may put advocate at risk.
• Local travel is required. Travel outside the state is very limited.