Shelter Advocate at YWCA Utah in Salt Lake City, UT

Position: Shelter Advocate 

Full Time Equivalency: 0.67 
Hours/Week: 24 hours, Monday-Wednesday 3pm-11pm 
Compensation: $18.89 
Reports to: Shelter Staff Coordinator 

Direct Reports: N/A 

Internal Job Code: RES-SA-DAY5 

Job Posted:  5/8/2026

 
Organization Overview 

Since 1906 YWCA Utah has been a voice for women, a force for change, and a place for hope. Our enduring belief is that better lives for women – all women – will lead to stronger families and communities.  YWCA is Utah’s most comprehensive provider of family violence services; our programs include walk-in services and a crisis line, emergency shelter, transitional housing, children’s programs, and a vast array of supportive services. In addition to our work in the area of family violence, the YWCA also reaches out broadly into the community with offerings for every woman, including a nationally accredited child care and early education center, leadership opportunities for women at all life stages, and opportunities to participate more fully in civic life. 

Mission: YWCA Utah is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women,
and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. 

Benefits – 24 hours/week 

In addition to being a part of an organization dedicated to race & gender equity in Utah, benefits of working at YWCA include:
 

• Paid Parental Leave (sixteen weeks for birthing parent, eight weeks for non-birthing parent, adoptive parent, or surrogate-intended parent, and four weeks for foster placement) 

• Generous package of vacation, sick, and bereavement time available to all employees (amount accrued varies based on hours/week)
   

• 14 paid holidays
   

• Professional development with internal and external training opportunities
   

• Free Employee Assistance Program providing counseling options to employees, partners, and dependents
   

 

Position Summary 

This position is a survivor-driven, trauma-informed, mobile advocacy position focused on helping crime victims increase access to safe emergency housing and retain safe, long-term housing options while they receive tailored support services. This position includes a 90-day evaluation period, after which performance will be reviewed

 

Essential Job Functions 

• Ensure the health and safety of all participants residing at the YWCA. 

• Provide a safe and caring environment. 

• Conduct intake interviews and assess eligibility for new program arrivals. 

• Discuss abuse, sexual violence, and gender issues in a confidential and supportive manner. 

• Educate individuals about the dynamics of domestic violence and the services offered by the YWCA and other community organizations. 

• Respond to crisis phone calls on all shifts, safety plan, provide referrals and resources. 

• Work alongside participants on the residential floor providing basic needs, assistance in accessing services, and emotional and physical support. 

• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with YWCA staff and any other organizations and individuals important to the success of the YWCA’s work. 

 

Competencies & Essential Skills: 

• Problem Solving/Analytical Thinker: Ability to solve and analyze problems effectively and efficiently. 

• Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Ability to provide exceptional customer service to supporters, partners, board members and co-workers. Exceptional communication skills and ability to respond to difficult situations. 

• Time Management: Ability to multitask and work efficiently within close time constraints. Ability to work under pressure and in a stressful environment. 

• Business Knowledge: Ability to master the components of a multi-disciplinary and multi-programmatic organization and partner organizations. Knowledge and understanding of Anti-racism, gender equity and violence against women. 

• Organization: Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize efficiently and meet deadlines. 

• Judgment and Decision Making: Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment and problem solving techniques in the decision-making process. 

• Technology/Tools: Ability to use various computer systems and applications including proficiency in online and electronic communication strategies. 

• Commitment to mission: Demonstrates commitment to YWCA Utah’s mission and philosophy. Actively engages in YWCA Utah’s anti-racism work. 

• Compliance: Adhere to YWCA Utah’s policies and is committed to act legally and ethically within the scope of the work. 

Qualifications 

• Committed to empowering participants and eliminating injustice. 

• An understanding of and agreement with YWCA Utah’s mission, values and philosophy regarding the elimination of racism, empowerment of women and commitment to anti-oppression work and social justice. 

• Understanding and commitment to issues of cultural diversity and anti-racism. 

• Enthusiasm for working with those subjected to intimate partner abuse. 

• Must have the commitment and ability to work sensitively in a 24-hour residential setting with femShale and child program participants who have a history of trauma. 

• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Highly effective in communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and crisis management. 

• Team player. Must be able to significantly contribute to an agency-wide team approach. 

• Must have the ability to work with both adult and child vulnerable populations. 

• Reliable and responsible. Must be able to work evenings, overnight, and weekends. 

• Ability to relate positively to people of diverse ages, ethnicity, socio-economic levels, beliefs, and lifestyles. 

• Must be able to pass a Department of Health and Human Services background check, E-Verify, and i9 requirements.

Physical/Sensory Demands 

Work is generally performed in a safe and comfortable office environment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:  sit for long periods of time; use computer to enter data; use telephone to converse with customers and employees; walk and stand for long periods of time; perform repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement. Travel to attend conferences, training, outreach and other events occurs routinely. Rarely required to lift up to 30 lbs. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

YWCA Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values a diverse workplace. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to disability, it is available upon request. No applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.