Shelter Advocate Jobs
Shelter Advocate jobs are open across domestic violence organizations, homeless services agencies, and community nonprofits, from entry-level to program supervisor, with specializations in crisis intervention, case management, and housing navigation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Shelter Advocate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 294+ Shelter Advocate jobs
Company Overview
The Animal Defense League of Texas (“ADL”) is a dedicated animal welfare organization based in San Antonio, Texas. We are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need, providing compassionate care and veterinary services to ensure their well-being.
We are seeking a passionate and energetic Veterinary Technician Shelter Hospital to join our dynamic team. In this vital role, you will support the health and safety of our shelter animals by assisting with medical procedures, animal care, and client communication. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Job Description:
This position is responsible for providing veterinary care for all animals as defined by best practices and standard operating procedures by the Animal Defense League. The veterinary technician carries out designated care, treatment, and other medical care as directed by the veterinarian. Must be able to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced and, at times, emotional environment; work independently and follow directions. Share ADL's vision and mission following ADL's core values: TRUST, INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE, CARE & COMPASSION, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION, SERVICE & COLLABORATION: Lead with trust, integrity, respect, and compassion. Service with excellence, by supporting one another’s growth, celebrating success and improvements. All while being professional, innovative, and committed to our vision. Create a positive work environment and ability to work with all team members cohesively and with a positive attitude.. Must be able to work with the public and their demands in a professional and appropriate manner. The veterinary technician position reports to the Hospital Operations Manager.
Job Requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- 2 year experience working as a veterinary technician, at least 1 year in a high-volume or shelter setting.
- Veterinarian technician certification is preferred but not required.
- Must be able to work a rotating schedule seven days a week including holidays and weekends based off the needs of the organization.
Veterinary Technician Job Duties:
- Perform daily patient care and treatments on hospitalized pets in lab rooms and medical wet room cages.
- Prepare, fill, and administer medications with accuracy and efficiency for all under treatment pets is hospital using appropriate PPE per species and following ADL PPE protocols.
- Fill and distribute individual prescriptions to Main Campus buildings, PJ, and foster pets in homes.
- Generate and complete daily vaccination rechecks and monthly prevention due for Hospital and Main Campus.
- Assess daily emails and respond accordingly, fill prescriptions efficiently and notify teams when medications are ready.
- Complete daily tasks and closing chores list, disassemble workstations, sanitize, restock, and reset for next day.
- Determines animal requirements by conducting examinations and reviewing care plans and records; completing laboratory tests and diagnostics.
- Responsible for patient care, retrieving vital, completing monitoring charts, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines.
- Complete daily tasks assigned on VT whiteboard related to patient care and individual pet needs, prioritize those needing tests to confirm contagious disease.
- Be a role model for PPE, educate and enforce PPE usage for pet safety to reduce exposure to contagious disease.
- Perform daily intake workups ensuring pets receive age-appropriate vaccinations, preventatives, and photo documentation on intake properly, and accurately complete paperwork for animal records.
- Ensure safe, humane pet handling for all pets during workups, treatments, and exams while pet handling adhere to ADL PPE protocols.
- Maintain a clean, disinfected and organized work environment during workup exams and while assisting DVMs with patient care exams.
- Provides care for animals by feeding, watering, cleaning living spaces and while observing for clinical signs of disease.
- Maintains safe, secure, healthy and humane environment by following ADL standards and procedures; and complying with medical/organization SOPs.
- Collaborate and assist DVM team with medical procedures, treatments, and suture/staple removals.
- Assist with Leads and Leaderships on space, pet housing, pet transfers from Naco, PJ and collaborate efficiently to identify disease.
- Assist surgery team with support if needed with non-ADL S/N services such as COSA ferals, Community cats, Public owned pets, and Shelter Partner pets.
- Participate in COSA community pet vaccination and microchip clinics throughout the community for pet wellness.
- Enhances service reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Skills/Qualifications: Knowledge of Animal Behavior, Animal Husbandry, Documentation Skills, Analyzing Information , Clinical Skills, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Performing Diagnostic Procedures, Use of Medical Technologies, Attention to Detail, Patience, Verbal Communication.
Required Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Proven kennel experience combined with animal husbandry skills, and animal handling to ensure optimal animal care.
- Knowledge of veterinary terminology, animal anatomy, physiology, and critical care practices.
- Safety procedures and techniques
- Medications, tools and instruments used in veterinary medicine.
- Perform basic examinations of animals
- Able to comfortably handle animals of all sizes, species, and under all types of conditions.
- Administer oral, SQ, and injectable medications.
- Calculate and administer medications using Medical protocols while under DVM supervision.
- Working knowledge of x-ray practices and procedures
- Familiarity with veterinary surgical assistance, radiology diagnostics (including X-ray), and laboratory work is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of veterinary software systems for record keeping and communication.
- Ability to work efficiently and independently in high-pressure situations involving critical & intensive care cases.
Physical demands and working conditions:
Physical requirements include frequent lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and greater than 50 pounds with assistance/ visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity. Subject to climbing, kneeling, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and walking to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are inside and outside with frequent exposure to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, noise, dirty environment, confining workspace and unfavorable odors. Ability to work in an emotional environment.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to saving lives through exceptional veterinary care!
Pay: Starting at $17/hr and up
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Company Overview
The Animal Defense League of Texas (“ADL”) is a dedicated animal welfare organization based in San Antonio, Texas. We are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need, providing compassionate care and veterinary services to ensure their well-being.
We are seeking a passionate and energetic Veterinary Technician Shelter Hospital to join our dynamic team. In this vital role, you will support the health and safety of our shelter animals by assisting with medical procedures, animal care, and client communication. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Job Description:
This position is responsible for providing veterinary care for all animals as defined by best practices and standard operating procedures by the Animal Defense League. The veterinary technician carries out designated care, treatment, and other medical care as directed by the veterinarian. Must be able to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced and, at times, emotional environment; work independently and follow directions. Share ADL's vision and mission following ADL's core values: TRUST, INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE, CARE & COMPASSION, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION, SERVICE & COLLABORATION: Lead with trust, integrity, respect, and compassion. Service with excellence, by supporting one another’s growth, celebrating success and improvements. All while being professional, innovative, and committed to our vision. Create a positive work environment and ability to work with all team members cohesively and with a positive attitude.. Must be able to work with the public and their demands in a professional and appropriate manner. The veterinary technician position reports to the Hospital Operations Manager.
Job Requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- 2 year experience working as a veterinary technician, at least 1 year in a high-volume or shelter setting.
- Veterinarian technician certification is preferred but not required.
- Must be able to work a rotating schedule seven days a week including holidays and weekends based off the needs of the organization.
Veterinary Technician Job Duties:
- Perform daily patient care and treatments on hospitalized pets in lab rooms and medical wet room cages.
- Prepare, fill, and administer medications with accuracy and efficiency for all under treatment pets is hospital using appropriate PPE per species and following ADL PPE protocols.
- Fill and distribute individual prescriptions to Main Campus buildings, PJ, and foster pets in homes.
- Generate and complete daily vaccination rechecks and monthly prevention due for Hospital and Main Campus.
- Assess daily emails and respond accordingly, fill prescriptions efficiently and notify teams when medications are ready.
- Complete daily tasks and closing chores list, disassemble workstations, sanitize, restock, and reset for next day.
- Determines animal requirements by conducting examinations and reviewing care plans and records; completing laboratory tests and diagnostics.
- Responsible for patient care, retrieving vital, completing monitoring charts, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines.
- Complete daily tasks assigned on VT whiteboard related to patient care and individual pet needs, prioritize those needing tests to confirm contagious disease.
- Be a role model for PPE, educate and enforce PPE usage for pet safety to reduce exposure to contagious disease.
- Perform daily intake workups ensuring pets receive age-appropriate vaccinations, preventatives, and photo documentation on intake properly, and accurately complete paperwork for animal records.
- Ensure safe, humane pet handling for all pets during workups, treatments, and exams while pet handling adhere to ADL PPE protocols.
- Maintain a clean, disinfected and organized work environment during workup exams and while assisting DVMs with patient care exams.
- Provides care for animals by feeding, watering, cleaning living spaces and while observing for clinical signs of disease.
- Maintains safe, secure, healthy and humane environment by following ADL standards and procedures; and complying with medical/organization SOPs.
- Collaborate and assist DVM team with medical procedures, treatments, and suture/staple removals.
- Assist with Leads and Leaderships on space, pet housing, pet transfers from Naco, PJ and collaborate efficiently to identify disease.
- Assist surgery team with support if needed with non-ADL S/N services such as COSA ferals, Community cats, Public owned pets, and Shelter Partner pets.
- Participate in COSA community pet vaccination and microchip clinics throughout the community for pet wellness.
- Enhances service reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Skills/Qualifications: Knowledge of Animal Behavior, Animal Husbandry, Documentation Skills, Analyzing Information , Clinical Skills, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Performing Diagnostic Procedures, Use of Medical Technologies, Attention to Detail, Patience, Verbal Communication.
Required Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Proven kennel experience combined with animal husbandry skills, and animal handling to ensure optimal animal care.
- Knowledge of veterinary terminology, animal anatomy, physiology, and critical care practices.
- Safety procedures and techniques
- Medications, tools and instruments used in veterinary medicine.
- Perform basic examinations of animals
- Able to comfortably handle animals of all sizes, species, and under all types of conditions.
- Administer oral, SQ, and injectable medications.
- Calculate and administer medications using Medical protocols while under DVM supervision.
- Working knowledge of x-ray practices and procedures
- Familiarity with veterinary surgical assistance, radiology diagnostics (including X-ray), and laboratory work is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of veterinary software systems for record keeping and communication.
- Ability to work efficiently and independently in high-pressure situations involving critical & intensive care cases.
Physical demands and working conditions:
Physical requirements include frequent lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and greater than 50 pounds with assistance/ visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity. Subject to climbing, kneeling, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and walking to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are inside and outside with frequent exposure to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, noise, dirty environment, confining workspace and unfavorable odors. Ability to work in an emotional environment.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to saving lives through exceptional veterinary care!
Pay: Starting at $17/hr and up
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Shelter Advocate Jobs by Experience Level
See All 294+ Shelter Advocate Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Shelter Advocate JobsShelter Advocate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- CAMBA19
- Low Income Housing Institute13
- Essential HealthCare Solutions13
- The Salvation Army9
- Safe Horizon7
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Education
- Agriculture & Farming
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in shelter advocate jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field
- Experience providing direct services to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and crisis intervention techniques
- Ability to complete safety planning, lethality assessments, and mandatory reporting
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for client accompaniment or outreach
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred for client-facing shelter positions
Tips for Your Shelter Advocate Job Search
Tailor your resume to crisis settings
Hiring managers for shelter advocate roles scan for concrete crisis intervention language. Replace vague phrases like 'helped clients' with specific actions: safety planning, lethality assessments, or coordinating emergency placements. Document the populations you served, such as survivors of domestic violence or unhoused youth.
Get your required certifications early
Many shelter advocate postings require or strongly prefer a Victim Advocate certification, CPR and First Aid, or mandatory reporter training before the start date. Completing these before you apply removes a common barrier and signals you're ready to work from day one.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists shelter advocate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by funding type
Shelter advocate positions funded through VAWA or HUD grants often carry specific documentation or reporting duties that unfunded roles don't. Reading the funding language in a job posting helps you anticipate the actual workload and tailor your cover letter to those compliance expectations.
Prepare trauma-informed scenario answers
Interviewers frequently ask situational questions about de-escalating a client in crisis or handling a disclosure of ongoing abuse. Prepare two or three real examples using a clear situation, action, and outcome structure. Vague answers about 'being empathetic' rarely satisfy shelter hiring committees.
Negotiate schedule before accepting
Shelter advocate roles often rotate overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts that aren't always stated upfront. Confirm the rotation schedule and on-call expectations during your final interview so there are no surprises, and use that information when comparing competing offers.
Shelter Advocate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most shelter advocates?
The companies hiring the most shelter advocates right now include CAMBA, Low Income Housing Institute, and Essential HealthCare Solutions, with the largest share of openings in New York, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Organizations tied to federal grants through VAWA and HUD tend to hire in higher volumes throughout the year.
How many shelter advocate jobs are remote?
About 10% of shelter advocate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most direct-service roles require an on-site presence. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include hotline advocacy, legal advocacy coordination, and training and community education roles that don't require physical shelter access.
How do you become a shelter advocate?
Start by earning a degree in social work, psychology, or human services, then complete a volunteer or internship placement at a domestic violence or homeless services organization to build direct-service hours. Obtain a Victim Advocate certification through your state coalition and complete mandatory reporter training. Apply to entry-level advocate or crisis line positions to gain supervised experience before moving into full residential or case management roles.
Can you get hired as a shelter advocate with little experience?
Yes, many organizations hire shelter advocates with limited paid experience if you can demonstrate relevant volunteer work, lived experience with the populations served, or completion of a certified advocate training program. Applying to overnight or weekend shifts is a practical entry point because those positions are harder to fill and organizations are more willing to train newer advocates for them.
What does the shelter advocate interview process look like?
Most shelter advocate interviews include a phone screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with a program supervisor and at least one peer advocate. Panels typically ask competency-based questions about crisis response, maintaining professional boundaries, and mandatory reporting obligations. Some organizations require a written scenario exercise or a tour of the facility before extending an offer, and reference checks with previous supervisors are standard.
Where can I find and apply to shelter advocate jobs?
You can find and apply to shelter advocate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from organizations across the United States. Find the roles that fit your experience level, location preference, and area of focus, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 294+ Shelter Advocate Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Shelter Advocate Jobs