Shelter Manager
local domestic violence/sexual assault victim service provider
September 2011 - June 2014
September 2011 - June 2014
Oversaw operations for 20 bed emergency shelter for women and children experiencing trauma due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or homelessness.
Position Description
- Hired and supervised shelter and case management staff, to include scheduling, employee recognition and personal development, and disciplinary matters.
- Evaluated requests for shelter based on client needs and shelter capabilities.
- Provided crisis intervention and conflict mediation to clients in trauma.
- Responded to emergency situations at shelter, to include intruders, health emergencies, weather-related events, and combative residents experiencing mental health crisis.
- Assisted law enforcement with investigations and safety planning with victims.
- Responded to area hospital emergency departments as needed to assist or accompany victims of sexual assault during forensic exams.
- Maintained data collection to ensure confidentiality for clients while following procedure. Compiled monthly, quarterly, and yearly grant reports.
- Researched best practices and adopted new service models as appropriate.
- Represented agency at community meetings and events.
- Coordinated holiday events to include trick or treating, Christmas wish list collection, cook-outs, etc.
- Chaperoned children's’ field trips and other events.
- Provided case management to children experiencing crisis either through direct or secondary case management. Assisted mothers in preparing parenting plans and provided coaching where appropriate.
- Oversaw children’s Windows Into Worlds art program.
- Complete overhaul and standardization of hiring process for shelter advocates - creation of interview questions, reference evaluations.
- Designed and implemented professional development program for advocates, to include professional goals and self-care solutions.
- Researched and designed confidential survey to administer to staff on personal supervision skills to determine strengths and weaknesses.
- Significantly improved relationship with local police - presented at in-service trainings, provided tours to new recruits and hires, regularly met with interested officers to establish partnerships. Identified several officers to contact for assistance when needed.
- Assisted contact from previous employer at trainings at Crater Criminal Justice Academy to present on advocate roles and available services to police recruits. Served as role-player in domestic violence scenarios during practical exercises.
- Created monthly training series for all advocates, to cover a variety of topics: self-care, working with clients suffering panic or anxiety attacks, maintenance solutions in emergencies, etc.
- Per funder requirements, redesigned program policies and procedures to implement voluntary services model. Trained staff in accordance with new model.