Job Opportunities
BILINGUAL SHELTER ADVOCATE, CHILD SPECIALIST- JOB DESCRIPTION
Updated July 9, 2025
Job Title: Bilingual Shelter Advocate, Child Specialist
Department: Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter
Reports To: Shelter Manager, Program Director, Executive Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time (Sunday-Thursday 2pm-10pm)
Compensation: $48,880 - $57,200/annually
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance
Email cover letter and resume to: sarahe@napanews.org
Agency Description
NEWS is the domestic violence and sexual abuse services organization serving Napa County. Recognized as a distinguished and well-respected nonprofit organization, NEWS believes that the pathways out of violence can be as individual as the people we serve. Our innovative programs and services reflect that belief. The agency was formed in 1981 to provide immediate safety assistance to people escaping violence.
Position Summary
This position works within the emergency shelter as the primary advocate for children’s services. This position also manages a variety of evidence-based activities in order to support children exposed to trauma. They also work collaboratively with peers and community partners to aid shelter families and callers on the 24-hour helpline.
Primary Duties
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- Provide support, education, advocacy and resources for parents and children in the shelter.
- Establish rapport with onsite children and provide services aimed at providing support for their health and well-being
- Develop, plan and facilitate children’s activities and respite for onsite parents.
- Assist Lead Case Manager with client’s needs, as time and capacity allows
- Help facilitate children’s weekly support group.
- Maintain, update, and organize shelter children’s playroom.
- Answer helpline calls and support shelter clients
- Coordinate Shelter Special Events (holidays, birthdays, client exits, etc.)
- Remain on shelter grounds at all times until shelter coverage has been fully assumed by another qualified employee or volunteer
- Provide translation services and emergency and non-emergency transportation to clients
- Attend all necessary agency meetings, trainings, and events as needed.
- Assist other positions as needed
Education, Experience & Language Skills
A BA in psychology or social work, particularly child psychology or family studies and/or 1+ years of experience working with vulnerable and/or traumatized children. Nonprofit experience a plus. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate clearly in writing, orally in English and in Spanish, with strong organizational skills. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, peers, donors, board, general public, etc.
Computer Skills, Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations
Proven ability to work with a variety of software programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor Certificate (or successfully attain after hire). Valid California Driver’s License required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee is required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Employee may be required to help move small items less than 45 lbs.
Work Environment
NEWS is dedicated to providing safety, hope, healing and empowerment for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Equally, NEWS is committed to promoting safe communities and social change through prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy throughout Napa County. It is our belief that in order to promote respect within the lives of those we serve, we must first start by respecting and honoring those we work with here at NEWS.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NEWS is an equal opportunity employer. Federal and State laws and the Agency’s policy prohibit employment discrimination against applicants for employment and employees on the basis of age, ancestry, sex/gender (including gender identity,) pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition related to cancer or genetic characteristic, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or veterans’ status. Discrimination is also prohibited on the basis of a perception that a person has any of the above characteristics.
Intent of Job Description
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of work duties that will be required in this position. It is not intended to limit, or in any way modify, the rights of any supervisor to assign, direct, and contract work of staff under his/her supervision. The use of a particular illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties, not mentioned, that are of a familiar level or difficulty.
For information about volunteering for NEWS, please click HERE.
