Client Services Specialist - Domestic Violence Shelter, Willow

The Safe Horizon DV Shelter Program provides safe and confidential spaces for DV Survivors and their children. We are committed to providing these services with empathy, compassion, professionalism, non-judgement, and respect. Our spaces respect survivors’ right to self-determination and focus on giving families and individuals the space, both emotional and physical, to heal from the victimization and trauma they have experienced.

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients. Identify when a client is experiencing trauma reactions and help client stabilize;
• Conduct emergency shelter intakes for site vacancies and vacancies at sister sites as part of the Central Intake team;
• Assess immediate safety needs and develop a risk management plan during intake of shelter placement calls;
• Using neutral and non-judgmental language when responding to the needs and requests of clients;
• Provide crisis intervention including mediation and de-escalation skills to diffuse situations between residents’ family members and/or roommates;
• Participate in trainings to improve client centered practice skills and knowledge about self-care and vicarious trauma and its impact;
• Plan, implement and/or research self-care and other social activities for clients and their children;
• Actively participate in donor tours and help with special client events and holiday parties;
• Conduct regular health and safety facility checks;
• Understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire procedures;
• Sort and organize donations of food, clothing, or items/projects as assigned;
• Distribute supplies to clients in accordance with established guidelines and/or emergency requests from clients;
• During the orientation process, determine clients’ immediate needs and provide referrals for basic needs;
• Provide referrals for clients following their initial Case Management session;
• Assist with basic office tasks such as archiving, filing , collating, update lists or as assigned;
• Enter activity log information, shift notes and Case Management System (CMS), in a timely fashion and accurate manner;
• Provide starter kits, assisting with bed utilization by helping with apartment preparation and cleaning; moving clients’ belongings as assigned;
• Provide childcare as requested by clients or staff in accordance with written policies;
• Provide client accompaniment to important appointments when requested;
• Assist with admission and discharge of clients. This may include, providing childcare, assisting with client belongings if facility staff is unavailable and other tasks assigned by management.
• Complete discharge paperwork which includes completing discharge checklist with clients, and all related discharge procedures;
• Comply and adhere to funders’ fire and health safety mandates by obtaining and maintaining Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Red Cross certifications as indicated by shelter leadership.

• High School Diploma/GED and two years relevant experience.
• Basic computer skills necessary.
• Candidate must have or obtain the following certifications within 3 months of employment: At Emergency Shelters, obtain the F07-Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor and S95-Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems. At Transitional Shelters, obtain F80- Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters, Pediatric CPR/ First Aid Certification, and Security Guard License.