Women's Advocate

Women’s Advocate

The Women’s Safe House | St. Louis, Missouri
Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Schedule Options:

• Wednesday–Saturday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

About The Women’s Safe House

The Women’s Safe House (TWSH) is the oldest and largest provider of emergency shelter services for women and children experiencing domestic violence in the St. Louis region. We also serve survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

As a 24-hour confidential shelter, we are committed to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and empowerment-based services that promote safety, dignity, and healing.

About the Role

The Women’s Advocate is a frontline member of our Residential Services team and provides trauma-informed support to survivors and their dependent children during assigned shifts. This role combines crisis intervention and advocacy with the day-to-day responsibilities necessary to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-functioning shelter environment.

Women’s Advocates provide Crisis Intervention Hotline coverage, complete shelter intakes and orientations, support participants throughout their shelter stay, maintain accurate service documentation, monitor shelter safety, and assist with daily residential operations.This is a hands-on position for someone who can remain calm during crisis situations, communicate with compassion and professionalism, and balance direct participant support with the practical needs of a 24-hour shelter.

What You’ll Do

Crisis Intervention & Participant Advocacy

• Answer the Crisis Intervention Hotline and provide compassionate, trauma-informed crisis support.
• Assess immediate safety concerns and participant needs, provide emotional support, assist with safety planning, and connect individuals with appropriate community resources.
• Provide personal advocacy and direct support to shelter participants and their dependent children.
• Complete shelter intakes and orientations and explain available services, safety procedures, expectations, and resources.
• Facilitate healthy advocacy and life-skills groups and encourage participation in shelter programming.
• Maintain strict participant confidentiality in accordance with TWSH policies, VAWA requirements, and applicable laws.

Shelter Safety & Daily Operations

• Monitor the shelter and surrounding premises to help maintain a safe, secure, and confidential environment.
• Assist with daily shelter operations, including preparing participant rooms, maintaining common spaces and supply areas, and completing assigned shelter responsibilities.
• Identify and promptly report safety, maintenance, facility, and operational concerns.
• Provide backup kitchen support as needed, including basic meal preparation, meal service, food storage, dishwashing, and cleanup.
• Follow organizational safety, emergency, and confidentiality procedures at all times.

Documentation & Data

• Accurately and timely document hotline calls, shelter services, intakes, referrals, participant contacts, and other required information in Vela.
• Review documentation for completeness and accuracy and correct identified errors.
• Collect required surveys, outcome information, and program data.
• Follow documentation, confidentiality, quality assurance, and funder requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Residential Case Management, Aftercare, Clinical Services, Youth Services, and other TWSH team members to support participants.
• Communicate participant needs, safety concerns, service updates, and operational information across shifts while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings, and other required organizational activities.
• Assist with orientation and training of volunteers, practicum students, and newly hired staff as assigned.
• Attend community meetings and organizational events as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent, or four years of related work experience.
• Strong interpersonal and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate during crisis situations.
• Experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance.
• Ability to work a 10-hour shift and meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered services and TWSH’s mission.

Preferred:

• Two years of college coursework or related work experience.
• Knowledge of domestic violence and empowerment-based advocacy.
• Experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, residential services, or other direct-service settings.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, electronic documentation, or data-entry systems.

Training & Certification

TWSH provides required training to support employees in their roles. Women’s Advocates must successfully obtain and maintain required certifications within 90 days of hire, including:

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)
• CPR/First Aid
• Women’s Advocate Certification
• Additional TWSH or funder-required training

Work Environment

This is an onsite position within a 24-hour confidential domestic violence shelter. The role includes regular standing and walking, bending, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Occasional participation in organizational or community activities outside the regular schedule may be required.

Why Join TWSH?

Women’s Advocates play an essential role in creating a safe, supportive environment for survivors and their children during an incredibly important period in their lives. You’ll work as part of a collaborative team committed to dignity, empowerment, safety, and survivor choice.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Women’s Safe House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Drivers License and proof of insurance (Required)

Work Location: In person