Description

About the Abbie Shelter

The Abbie Shelter is a leading nonprofit organization in Flathead Valley, Montana that has been serving our local community for 50 years. Our mission is to empower survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in Flathead County through intervention, advocacy, and education. We provide free, confidential, trauma-informed services to survivors of all backgrounds and genders through our Helpline, shelter, court advocacy, mental health, and community outreach programs. For more information, please visit abbieshelter.org.

Position Description

The Shelter Advocate is a full-time, in-person position based at our confidential shelter facility. This position oversees “all things shelter,” from the residents to the shelter facility itself. Our shelter has 6 bedrooms and averages 90+% occupancy, serving 100+ adults and children each year. The Shelter Advocate provides direct services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, and any form of intimate partner violence who are in need of residential support. This key position performs shelter assessments and intakes, conducts case management and care coordination services, and offers general wrap-around support for shelter residents. The Shelter Advocate collaborates regularly with other direct services staff, survivors, and community partner organizations, serving as a key link in the agency’s systems of care and support. 

This is a non-entry-level position. It is a full-time (40 hours/week), in-person, on-site role located at our shelter facility in Flathead Valley. The Shelter Advocate is supervised directly by the Residential Program Director. 

Organizational Values

The Abbie Shelter values all people. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status.

• Trauma-informed: We aim to accommodate the real needs of trauma survivors.
• Survivor led: We view survivors as being in charge of their own journey.
• Safety first: We prioritize the physical and emotional safety of survivors.
• Relationship based: We know healthy and empathetic relationships are the key to success for survivors.
• Evidence based: We use research to guide our policies and practices.
• Feminist based: We acknowledge the societal structures that limit peoples’ choices.
• Coordinated community response: We collaborate with local partners to coordinate systems of care.
• Employee self-care: We believe that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field OR at least two years of experience providing direct service to similar populations. Candidates with relevant professional or lived experience may be considered on an individual basis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Passion for the mission of the Abbie Shelter.
• Proficiency in use of electronic communication and record keeping systems such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and client management software/databases.
• Ability to provide own transportation, lift up to 40 lbs., and work under conditions including, but not limited to, variable weather, noise, and other potentially unpredictable situations.
• Provide trauma-informed care while maintaining firm personal boundaries.

Position Roles and Responsibilities

• Direct Service: Serve as a key member of the Abbie Shelter’s direct services team. Provide trauma-informed, structured, and compassionate services to all residential survivors, focusing on the core mission of safety, independence, and empowerment. General responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Shelter resident assessments & intakes
  • House meetings & room checks
  • Individualized case management & client care coordination
  • Resource referrals
  • Community advocacy
  • Crisis intervention/de-escalation
  • Conflict resolution & mediation
  • Helpline phone/chat shifts
  • Transportation
• Helpline Support: Fulfill at least one regular Helpline phone shift and one chat shift per week.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the residential program staff team, including the Residential Program Director, Residential Support Advocate and Helpline Advocate, to coordinate and address both resident and facility needs in a timely manner. Collaborate regularly with key community partner agencies to best support clients and foster a broader coordinated community response model of service delivery.
• Safety: Ensure that daily safety protocols are followed to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of shelter residents, the building itself, and all staff, volunteers, and community partners who visit, live, and work at the facility. Ensure that the shelter environment remains clean, organized, and welcoming for all residents.
• Shelter Services: In addition to other ongoing shelter duties, conduct regular resident case management check-ins and room checks, facilitate weekly house meetings, and maintain awareness of existing and emerging client and/or facility needs. In collaboration with the Residential Support Advocate, oversee the timely turnover of rooms when residents enter and exit the shelter program.
• Accessibility: Ensure and expand the ability of program participants and community partners to access needed shelter services equitably. 
• Capacity Building: Develop and strengthen existing partnerships and explore strategic new relationships with relevant partner agencies in the community to help connect residents to additional programs and services that best support their unique needs.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of all services provided to residents and at the facility using the agency’s secure client database and document storage systems according to agency protocol. Protect confidentiality of client information at all times, including in written, verbal, and electronic/digital communications.
• General Support: Address and complete other duties as assigned.