Sadie's Place Advocate

Sadie's Place provides transitional housing for up to 24 months for survivors of violence and abuse to gain the skills required to live independently and securely in our community. New Beginnings advocates work with Sadie's Place residents to ensure they have access to healthcare, counseling, mental health services, child care, and other necessary services. 

Job Summary: The Sadie's Place Advocate is responsible for assessing, arranging, and advocating for services and resources to address the needs of individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, under the guidance of the Program Manager. The Advocate will help residents find the resources they need to reduce the risk of future abuse by using a strength-based, survivor-driven, and trauma-informed approach.

Essential Functions:

• Primarily working Monday – Friday – schedule negotiable.  
• Monitor and support residents’ progression through their housing search plan.
• Connect participants to resources supporting their economic stability goals, including employment support and financial empowerment.
• Assist participants with housing applications, complete subsidized housing paperwork, and survey rental market for affordable housing.
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and long-term advocacy to assist residents in identifying and achieving survivor-directed and survivor-driven goals.
• Provide support services for participants overcoming their housing barriers and connect them with appropriate information, referrals, co-advocacy, emotional support and safety planning.
• Complete and maintain participant records that document services provided; input data entry into agency database in a timely manner.
• Work with a diverse population and provide culturally sensitive advocacy.
• Monitor building security and residents’ safety.
• Attend team and individual supervision as determined with the Program Manager. 
• Attend and actively participate in weekly team meetings and agency-wide staff meetings.
• Attend to daily needs of Sadie’s Place building and identify needs for the facility.
• Document all building maintenance issues and assist residents in doing so as well. 
• Foster an inclusive environment in which all residents and staff are treated equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or religion.
• Comply with New Beginnings and Sadie’s Place policies and procedures, including maintaining strict confidentiality protocols.
• Answer calls and e-mails and forward appropriate information to the Program Coordinator. 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Skills:

• Commitment to working with survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and knowledge of violence and its effects on society.
• Commitment to social change—including working to end domestic and sexual violence and all forms of oppression: racism, homophobia, sexism, classism, etc.
• Clear understanding of 173C and confidentiality laws.
• Embraces agency’s mission, philosophical statement, and use of the empowerment model.
• Effective crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computers/technical resources to effectively accomplish work.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable motorized vehicle required.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Capability of sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Walking, talking, and listening in order to exchange information, as well as utilizing a phone, computer, and other devices for daily tasks, are all required duties. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.