DV Shelter Program Assistant (Part-Time, Sat/Sun)

Overview

In this part-time role, you will provide critical support, advocacy, and crisis intervention to domestic violence survivors within an emergency shelter and via a 24/7 hotline. Working Saturday and Sunday day shifts, you will serve as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking safety, guiding them through intake procedures, assessing risks, and coordinating access to essential basic needs and legal resources. You will utilize an empowerment-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approach to assist residents and manage the shelter's day-to-day operations. Your work will involve de-escalating critical situations, maintaining meticulous client records, conducting facility walk-throughs for health and safety compliance, and collaborating with advocates and leadership across multiple shelter sites.

Responsibilities

• Answer 24/7 crisis hotline calls from survivors, law enforcement, and community partners to deliver risk assessments, safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals.
• Conduct shelter orientations and complete intake documentation within 24 hours for new residents, accurately logging client records into the agency management database.
• Deliver supportive advocacy services, crisis counseling, basic supplies, and information regarding victim compensation and address confidentiality programs.
• Coordinate appointments and case management needs with specialized advocates, including child advocates and external social service agencies.
• Co-facilitate weekly house meetings and psychoeducational groups focused on power dynamics, personal safety, and survivor empowerment.
• Perform daily shelter walk-throughs and routine supply inventory checks to maintain health, safety, and operational standards.
• Participate in case staffing sessions, team shift handoffs, and regular one-on-one supervision meetings with shelter management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one year of experience in crisis support, residential services, customer service, emergency response, or handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflicts and critical incidents using a trauma-informed approach.
• Valid driver's license with reliable personal transportation to travel between shelter and outreach locations.
• Ability to successfully pass a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain strict client confidentiality under Florida statutes.

Nice to have

• Prior experience providing advocacy and supportive services to vulnerable, at-risk, or culturally specific populations.
• Bilingual language proficiency.
• Familiarity with Florida domestic violence statutes, Injunctions for Protection, court procedures, and victim notification systems like VINE.

Work environment

• On-site role based in a 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter serving Martin and Indian River counties in Florida.
• Part-time weekend schedule consisting of 16 to 20 hours per week on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with flexibility required for operational coverage.
• Fast-paced, high-stimulation residential environment that requires active movement, light lifting up to 25 pounds, and regular navigation of indoor and outdoor facilities.
• Role involves direct interaction with individuals in crisis, carrying potential exposure to secondary trauma.

Benefits & growth

• Hourly compensation set at $17.00 per hour for a non-exempt, part-time schedule.
• Structured onboarding and completion of agency CORE Competency training within the first 90 days of employment.
• Access to ongoing mandatory education and professional development covering trauma-informed care and statutory compliance.
• Opportunity to gain foundational experience in non-profit social services, victim advocacy, and residential shelter management.