About this role
Core Advocate Responsibilities (All Programs)
All Advocates, regardless of program assignment, are expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:
- Program Support: Effectively support program operations, workflows, and service delivery requirements in alignment with assigned role and agency standards, including cross-training.
- Trauma-Informed Practice: Utilize survivor-centered and culturally responsive approaches in all client interactions, prioritizing autonomy, dignity, and choice.
- Crisis Intervention: Provide trauma-informed crisis counseling, emotional support, de-escalation, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals to individuals experiencing interpersonal violence.
- System Navigation & Advocacy: Assist clients in navigating medical, legal, housing, and social service systems as appropriate to client needs and program scope.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to coordinate client care and support continuity of services.
- Documentation & Accountability: Maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation in accordance with agency policies, quality assurance standards, and grant requirements.
- Professional Conduct: Maintain professional boundaries, ethical standards, and emotional regulation in high-stress and crisis environments.
Program-Specific Responsibilities
The following outlines examples of responsibilities by department. Duties vary based on program assignment.
Crisis Response Team
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals through the agencys 24/7 crisis line.
- Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.
- Travel in 9-county service area to provide in-person advocacy and support to survivors in hospital and clinical settings.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners as appropriate.
- Complete follow-up support and documentation related to crisis calls, walk-ins, and hospital responses.
Emergency Shelter Team
- Provide advocacy, safety planning, case management, transportation assistance, groups, and supportive services to residents in the 24/7 emergency shelter.
- Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.
- Support residents with daily living needs, conflict resolution, and transition planning.
- Coordinating pet care with clients and community partners.
- Facilitate or support shelter-based groups and psychoeducational activities.
- Coordinate with internal teams and community partners as appropriate.
- Complete follow-up support and documentation related to shelter services.
Community Services Team
- Provide case management, legal advocacy, group, and referrals to non-residential clients in the 9-county service area (KY: Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Shelby, Trimble; IN: Clark, Floyd).
- Deliver mobile advocacy to clients in a setting deemed safe by both the client and advocate in the 9-county service area.
- Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.
- Coordinate with community partners, social service agencies, law enforcement, and healthcare providers as appropriate.
- Complete follow-up support and documentation related to the services listed above.
- Travel in 9-county service area on a regular basis using CWF and/or personal vehicle.
Qualifications
Experience and Educational Requirements
- Bachelors degree preferred.
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in advocacy, crisis response, or human services may substitute for a degree.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to respond effectively in high-pressure or crisis situations.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Other Requirements
- Valid drivers license and driving record that meets agency insurance requirements.
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as required by program role.
- Fluency in languages other than English is a plus.
Environment & Physical Demands
- Frequent interaction with clients, staff, and community partners.
- Work environment varies by program and may include call center, shelter, hospital, or community-based settings.
- Requires sitting, standing, walking, and mobility throughout facilities and community locations.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs independently and up to 70 lbs with assistance.
- Ability to work in high-stress environments requiring emotional resilience and adherence to self-care practices.