Emergency Shelter Advocate (Overnight)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

EMERGENCY SHELTER ADVOCATE (OVERNIGHT)

Emergency Shelter Services – A Safe Place
Waukegan, Illinois
Crisis Response | Survivor Advocacy | Shelter Support
Overnight Position

About the Role

The Overnight Emergency Shelter Advocate provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children residing in the emergency shelter. This role helps ensure a safe, stable, and trauma-informed environment during overnight hours while supporting the shelter’s 24-hour operations.

The advocate responds to crisis hotline calls, assists with shelter intake screenings, documents services, and provides supportive engagement with residents. Overnight staff also monitor facility safety, conduct routine walk-throughs, and respond to urgent needs that may arise during the shift.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, dignity, and well-being of survivors while helping residents access resources that support long-term stability and independence.

This position requires maintaining a calm and professional presence while working independently during overnight hours in a residential shelter environment.

Core Responsibilities

Crisis Response & Advocacy

• Respond to crisis hotline calls, providing immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource referrals.
• Provide trauma-informed advocacy and support to survivors residing in emergency shelter, including adults and children.

Shelter Intake & Resident Support

• Conduct intake screenings and eligibility assessments for individuals seeking emergency shelter services.
• Engage with shelter residents in shared spaces, offering guidance, education, and supportive advocacy.

Documentation & Data Entry

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client documentation in accordance with agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.
• Complete case notes, intake documentation, and required reporting within established timelines.

Safety & Facility Monitoring

• Conduct routine facility walk-throughs to ensure safety, security, and adherence to shelter protocols.
• Monitor shelter access points and respond to safety concerns during overnight hours.

Education & Resource Navigation

• Provide residents with information regarding domestic violence dynamics, safety planning, Orders of Protection, and available community resources.
• Connect survivors to internal programs and external service providers as appropriate.

Professional Collaboration

• Participate in required trainings, team meetings, and program communications.
• Support a respectful, trauma-informed, and collaborative shelter environment.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Overnight Shelter Advocates provide calm, trauma-informed support to survivors while maintaining a safe and stable shelter environment. They exercise sound judgment during crises, complete accurate and timely documentation, and engage respectfully with residents to promote dignity, safety, and empowerment.

Advocates who succeed in this role collaborate effectively with team members, communicate important updates across shifts, and uphold the mission and trauma-informed values of A Safe Place.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field or equivalent experience in crisis advocacy, social services, or survivor support.
• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency required, with the ability to communicate effectively with survivors in both languages
• Mental Health Professional (MHP) eligibility under Illinois Medicaid guidelines is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the dynamics of domestic violence and the challenges survivors face.
• Experience providing crisis response, advocacy, or shelter-based services.
• Experience with housing placement, case management, or survivor advocacy services.

Physical & Operational Requirements:

• Ability to lift to 20 pounds and navigate stairs within the shelter facility
• Ability to sit for extended periods while completing documentation and operating office equipment
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong trauma-informed communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Cultural humility and the ability to support survivors from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to complete accurate and timely documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with electronic records or case management systems preferred.

Compensation

Starting hourly rate: $25.00 per hour

Pay schedule: Bi-weekly (26 pay periods per year)

Compensation is determined based on experience, relevant skills, and internal equity.

Work Schedule

• Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

The Overnight Shelter Advocate works independently during overnight hours while supporting the shelter’s 24-hour operations.

This position may occasionally require participation in staff meetings, trainings, or agency events scheduled outside of overnight hours with advance notice.

Occasional holiday coverage may be required as part of shelter operations.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Why Join A Safe Place

• Mission-driven work with direct community impact
• Trauma-informed, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to advocate for survivors and systemic change
• Meaningful professional development and training opportunities

Additional Information

This posting provides a high-level overview of the position. A comprehensive job description outlining the full scope of responsibilities will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.