Advocate

Services to Abused Families, Inc. (SAFE); Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

SAFE (Services to Abused Families, Inc.) in Culpeper, VA seeks a full-time Advocate to provide direct support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support.

Day-to-day duties include intake assessments, confidential documentation, coordinating services (shelter, counseling, legal referrals, and community resources), and collaborating with local partners within a trauma-informed, survivor-centered framework.

Qualifications

• Crisis intervention, safety planning, and survivor-centered advocacy experience.
• Strong communication and active listening with diverse populations.
• Maintain confidentiality and organized case files per policy.
• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to collaborate with partners, courts, law enforcement, and social services.
• Comfort handling crisis situations; practice self-care.
• Basic computer skills (email, word processing, databases).
• High school diploma required; associate/bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience in advocacy or victim services preferred but not required.
• Commitment to equity and serving survivors of all identities.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning for survivors.
• Maintain confidential documentation and coordinate services.
• Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, and community partners; attend appointments as needed.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Safety planning

Advocacy

Communication

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Trauma-informed care

Collaboration

Self-care

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field preferred

Job description

Company Description

SAFE (Services to Abused Families, Inc.) is a private, nonprofit domestic and sexual violence agency serving survivors in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties in Virginia. Established in 1980, SAFE provides free, confidential services to all survivors, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances. The organization is committed to creating safe environments, promoting healing, and supporting empowerment for individuals and families impacted by violence. SAFE’s services include crisis intervention, advocacy, and ongoing support delivered with respect, dignity, and cultural humility.

Role Description

The Advocate is a full-time, on-site role based in Culpeper, VA. In this position, the Advocate provides direct support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting intake assessments, maintaining accurate and confidential documentation, and coordinating services such as shelter, counseling, legal referrals, and community resources. The Advocate collaborates with local partners, attends court or appointments with survivors when needed, and participates in outreach and education activities to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. The role also involves working within a trauma-informed, survivor-centered framework, adhering to agency policies, and contributing to a supportive, care-centered team environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, safety planning, and survivor-centered advocacy in a human services or related setting.


• Strong communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality, accurate documentation, and organized case management records in accordance with legal and ethical standards.


• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and community resources, or willingness to learn through training.


• Capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues, community partners, and systems (e.g., courts, law enforcement, social services) while maintaining professional boundaries.


• Comfort supporting individuals in crisis, managing emotionally challenging situations, and practicing self-care and resilience.


• Basic computer skills, including use of email, word processing, and database or case management systems.


• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field preferred.


• Prior experience in advocacy, social services, counseling, or victim services is strongly preferred but not required if candidate is eager to learn.


• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination, and ability to serve survivors of all identities respectfully