HOTLINE: 800-439-6507 indhouse@indhouse.net

Director of Domestic & Sexual Violence Residential and Concrete Services Program

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Domestic & Sexual Violence Residential and Concrete Services Program

Independence House encourages applicants of diverse races, all abilities, sexual orientation, and genders to submit application

Hours: 30 Hours/Week
Salary: competitive
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vacation, Holiday, Sick & 403(b)
Reports to: The Executive Director

This is a key leadership position at Independence House, Inc. (IH) a comprehensive domestic & sexual violence community-based agency and Residential program in Barnstable County that focuses on meeting the unique and cultural needs of intimate partner violence and sexual assault of survivors and their children. We provide safety, food, shelter, advocacy, counseling, homicide victim survivor support and other resources to assist survivors in rebuilding violence-free lives for themselves and their children. IH is committed to the values of inclusivity, equality, anti-oppression, non-hierarchical structure, and a non-judgmental and empowering work environment. IH works closely with other agencies in the community, to offer a comprehensive network of resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children and survivors of homicide victims. IH works with these agencies and other community groups to provide education, prevention, and training about domestic & sexual violence toward community transformation and change. Please see our website at www.independencehouse.org for more information.

JOB SUMMARY

The Domestic & Sexual Violence Residential Services Director oversees and communicates with management, staff, and clients to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the emergency shelter facility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Domestic & Sexual Violence Residential Services Director receives supervision from the Executive Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The person in this position oversees and implements operational aspects and delivery of essential concrete services of Sexual & Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter, Housing Stabilization Program, SAFEHOME, General Community Based and Rape Crisis Center Programs. Supervises shelter SAFEHOME and housing stabilization operational activities, Emergency Shelter and Housing Stabilization Program Advocates and Child Care Professionals during provision of services to Shelter Programs and Housing Stabilization Programs. 

MAJOR DUTIES

  • Plan and execute Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter and Housing Stabilization services/activities
  • Lead Emergency Domestic Violence and Housing Stabilization team
  • Supervise Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter and Housing Stabilization staff
  • Oversee documentation
  • Cultivate Positive Shelter environment
  • Conduct individual service plans and reviews
  • Mentor and guide Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter staff
  • Develop programming to meet client needs
  • Provide crisis management
  • Facilitate conflict management
  • Use “Difficult Conversations” to guide conflict resolution and communication
  • Promote “How the Earth Didn’t Fly into The Sun” model
  • Orient new residents/staff
  • Develop and mentor staff and promote ongoing learning
  • Utilize Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter Manual to create best shelter practices
  • Recruit staff and volunteers and participate in team interview, train and, and supervise advocates and volunteers working in the agency’s Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter and Housing stabilization program
  • Provide leadership, and excellent supervision to Shelter and Housing stabilization team staff members
  • Plan and lead team meeting with staff
  • Ensure access for individuals with disabilities is attended to-in collaboration with the Independence House disabilities access coordinator

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of individual and group dynamics and counseling, specific to sexual & domestic violence, parenting, and life skill development.
  • Prior supervisory experience is required
  • Must work cooperatively with all directors and staff
  • Must be a team player
  • Must meet deadline without exceptions (please add this to the original job description)
  • Must demonstrate competency with ambiguity and problem solving in the moment
  • Must demonstrate competency in residential living dynamics and ability to effectively respond to and support staff in responding to and managing conflicts
  • Must collaborate with Clinical Director to meet needs of survivors as appropriate
  • Knowledge of requirements of Rape Crisis Centers in Massachusetts
  • Knowledge of Department of Public Health funded contract requirements
  • Demonstrate Competency in assessing use of Housing Stabilization Program funds
  • Competency recognizing and responding effectively to survivors who are evidencing trauma responses
  • Must support and ensure implementation /practice “How the Earth Didn’t Fly into the sun”
  • Demonstrate full commitment to and practice of the empowerment model
  • Understanding of strengths-based approach to working with survivors
  • Must complete timely staff evaluations
  • Ability to assess needs and construct case management plans
  • Working knowledge of housing and community resources
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in spoken and written words
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Knowledge on and experience in advocating for clients
  • Ability to empower clients to advocate for themselves
  • Clear understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding homelessness due to domestic abuse and sexual violence
  • Knowledge of the services available to sexual & domestic violence survivors who are homeless
  • Sensitivity to sexual & domestic violence survivors and their children.
  • Training in domestic violence and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to speak in public.
  • Access to reliable transportation and possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
  • Ability to work under stress and crisis related situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology or other related field required or knowledge of running a 24-hour facility and 5 years’ experience in the field, or equivalent experience, and experience in a leadership position providing supervision, case management, life skills development, group facilitation and individual counseling. Must have a thorough understanding and analysis of sexual and domestic violence as forms of oppression and professional and personal boundaries, and demonstrate application of such; must be willing to engage in difficult and direct communication and contribute to a healthy positive work culture. Understanding of housing issues, knowledge of community resources, and sensitivity to the needs of sexual & domestic violence survivors, and their children is required. Must be committed to and comfortable with diversity and demonstrate commitment to inclusivity. Must be able to communicate and work effectively with a diverse population of clients and must be able to work effectively as an individual as well as a team member.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Must demonstrate ethics in communication and behaviors
Integrity
Positive “can do” attitude
Be dependable and demonstrate a strong work ethic
Passion and excitement for our mission
Commitment to ongoing learning for self and staff
Commitment to supervision and ongoing training of self and others

To Be Considered: Please send a resume and a cover letter with salary requirements to: CarrieH@indhouse.net
Please write “IH Application- [Your Last Name]” in the subject line.
No phone calls, please.

Independence House, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, or disability and denial of family medical leave and pregnancy leave. This search is being conducted by Independence House, Inc.