BREATHE Program Lead: Survivor Advocacy & Crisis Response

YWCA Union County; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The BREATHE Coordinator at YWCA Union County oversees the BREATHE program and supports individuals affected by non-fatal strangulation. The role provides crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals with a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Responsibilities include supervising volunteers, coordinating referrals at hospitals and police departments, developing trainings, and building partnerships with medical providers and community organizations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field with at least one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and case management.
• Experience working with survivors in hospital, law enforcement, or community settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and coordination of the BREATHE program.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and support program volunteers and interns.
• Respond to non-fatal strangulation and other high-risk referrals at hospitals, police departments, and community partner locations.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to survivors.
• Connect survivors with counseling, legal, medical, housing, financial, and emergency shelter resources.
• Develop and facilitate trainings for staff, volunteers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
• Build and maintain partnerships with hospitals, law enforcement agencies, schools, legal providers, and community organizations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case documentation, referral records, and program data.
• Support program evaluation, data collection, quality improvement, and compliance with agency and funding requirements.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Safety planning

Trauma-informed care

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication

Volunteer supervision

Staff training

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

The BREATHE Coordinator at YWCA Union County oversees the BREATHE program and supports individuals affected by non-fatal strangulation. The role provides crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals with a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Responsibilities include supervising volunteers, coordinating referrals at hospitals and police departments, developing trainings, and building partnerships with medical providers and community organizations.