Residential Services Advocate

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Residential Services Advocate

Hours: Full time 35 hours

Salary: $21.75-$23.96 hr depending on experience, with additional compensation for on-call after hours shifts.

Benefits Package Includes

● Generous financial contribution of $9,506 in 2026towards individual health, dental and vision.

● Two weeks of vacation the first year, 3 weeks in year two and increases thereafter; the administrative office is closed and staff receive holiday pay for 11 federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

● Employer retirement contributions begin after 18 months of employment and vest after 3 years. After three years of employment, an annual contribution of a minimum of 5% of the employee’s salary will be made to the employee’s established retirement account. Retirement begins accruing at 18 months but you are not vested until you have completed 3 years of employment at the Advocacy Center.

TO APPLY: Please review qualifications and submit two separate documents (in MS Word or PDF format only): 1. cover letter and 2. resume Please submit as two separate attachments to an email to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Our progressive victim services agency is hiring a Residential Services Advocate to provide support, advocacy, safety planning and case management services to adult survivors of domestic violence and their children who are staying in our nine-bed confidential safe house or being served in a/our Permanent Supportive Housing Program. To be successful in this position you will find reward in helping victims of domestic violence and and their children as they seek a life free from violence. You will be comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively. You will understand the complexities and challenges of domestic violence and its impact as you provide trauma informed services such as safety planning, systems and housing advocacy. You will be able to respond calmly to crisis situations and will be able to navigate complicated situations, all while following state and agency guidelines.

The Residential Services Advocates primary role is to assist shelter residents by being a supportive presence at our shelter during the week, assisting residents with daily living needs as well as helping them to find permanent housing. The Residential Services Advocate will document services provided to survivors, prepare rooms for incoming residents, complete an assessment on all requests for shelter prior to admission, and communicate shelter expectations and communal living guidelines to residents. They will also provide services to residents of a/our Permanent Supportive Housing Program as well as other people including non-residential domestic violence survivors, those who have been sexually assaulted or who are victims of child sexual abuse. Services are provided individually, via groups, in person, by phone, on the hotline and virtually as per client need.

Participation in a paid rotation of after-hours on-call (weeknight, weekend, and holiday) with other advocacy services staff is required. After-hours on-call involves responding to calls on our 24 hour hotline from community members or professionals. Must be able to respond in person to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY within 45 minutes when on-call.

The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County located in Ithaca, NY, honors its origins in the 1970s and continues to be guided by the principles of intersectional feminism, anti-racism/oppressive practices, and victim rights. We are dedicated professionals with a strong work ethic, and we value a healthy work/life balance and promote flexibility in work schedules when possible. We provide staff training and are committed to strong supervisory support and professional development opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

● One year of advocacy experience in a human services or residential setting

● Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and/or any combination of education, experience, and measurable past performance that demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

● Knowledge about domestic violence, sexual assault and/or child sexual abuse

● Ability to provide clear and articulate written information for grant reporting purposes and accurate data entry

● Good communication, organizational and time management skills

● Ability to handle multiple tasks under stressful situations

● Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships

● Ability to work independently as well as in a team, with a willingness to appreciate different points of view and problem solve in a constructive manner.

● Sensitive to the impact of sexual and domestic violence in diverse communities

● Ability to develop a positive compassionate rapport with victims of domestic and sexual abuse

● Commitment to working from an anti-oppression, harm-reduction, and strengths based trauma-responsive approach

● Flexible schedule - must be able to work some after-hours evenings, weekends and holidays to meet on call requirements

Requirements

● This is an in-office in person position

● Must pass State Child Abuse/Neglect screening & Criminal Background Check.

● Vehicle and valid driver's license is required. Some travel throughout Tompkins County including transporting of clients as needed along with occasional travel to other areas within NYS for professional development. Mileage reimbursement provided for position related travel. Must be able to respond in person to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY within 45 minutes from home or wherever you are at the time the call comes in.

● Must be able to drive, navigate stairs, periods of sitting. Standing and movement required. The physical requirements described here are representative of those needed to perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions if no undue hardship is posed to the agency.

Our Ideal Candidate

● Is genuinely invested in the wellbeing of others and is committed to working with diverse community members to create a safer, more supportive county

● Believes in the Advocacy Center’s mission and agency values

● Is self-motivated, works well independently, and asks for guidance and help

● Offers and appreciates constructive feedback

● Values collaboration, and fosters long-term partnerships with people that have different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences

● Will prioritize projects that are survivor-centered, strength based, trauma-informed, audience relevant, anti-racist and anti-oppressive

● Approaches work with humility, empathy, humor, and resilience

● Is able to function harmoniously in a shared office

● Will strive to calmly navigate conflicts and problems as they arise

● Will use their unique perspective, talents and insights to inspire us to accomplish things we have not yet imagined

The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.

Pay: $21.75 - $23.96 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Have you submitted a cover letter to [email protected]? Your application will not be considered without one.

Experience:

• Advocacy: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Ithaca, NY 14850 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person