Community Outreach & Crisis Advocate

Children & Families of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

Holidays

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

EAP

Referral Program

Job summary

Children & Families of Iowa is seeking an in-person advocate to support survivors of domestic violence in Des Moines. You will provide trauma-informed case management, safety planning, and crisis intervention to help clients achieve safety, stability, and independence.

You will work with a strong team, participate in court advocacy, and help expand community referrals while delivering compassionate, client-focused services.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in psychology, sociology, social work, or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, crisis intervention, and victim advocacy is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered support including safety planning and case management.
• Answer crisis line and offer in-person and phone-based crisis intervention.
• Advocate for survivors in civil and criminal court proceedings.
• Represent the agency at local meetings and expand referral networks.
• Coordinate services such as therapy, job training, and financial literacy.
• Educate communities using evidence-based healthy relationship curricula.
• Engage in continuous learning and team collaboration.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Client advocacy

Trauma-informed care

Community outreach

Education

Associate degree in psychology, sociology, social work, or related human services

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

If you’re driven by purpose, value meaningful human connection, and want your work to make a real difference every day, this role puts you on the front lines of change. You’ll build deep community relationships, strengthen your advocacy skills, and help survivors of domestic violence move toward safety, stability, and independence all while being supported by a strong team and excellent benefits.

What You’ll Gain in This Role

• A career with purpose: Your work directly impacts survivors and families
• Professional growth: Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, advocacy best practices, and healthy relationship education.
• Varied, engaging workdays: A mix of client advocacy, crisis response, court support, and community outreach—no two days are the same.
• Strong support system: Collaboration with experienced advocates and leadership who value your voice and expertise.
• Stability and security: A full benefits package and generous paid time off so you can care for yourself while caring for others.
  How You’ll Make an Impact

In this role, you will:

• Be a trusted advocate for survivors by providing trauma-informed, client-centered support including safety planning, goal setting, and case management.
• Serve as a critical lifeline by answering the crisis line and offering in-person and phone-based crisis intervention.
• Build confidence and empowerment in survivors by advocating for them in civil and criminal court proceedings.
• Strengthen communities by representing the agency at local meetings and events and expanding referral networks.
• Help clients move toward long-term stability by coordinating services like therapy, job training, and financial literacy.
• Educate communities using evidence-based healthy relationship curriculum.
• Grow your expertise through continuous learning, team collaboration, and professional development.
  

What We Offer You

• 80 hours of vacation after 90 days
• Up to 480 hours of accrued paid sick time
• 8 paid holidays
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision
• Company-provided life insurance + voluntary options
• Short- and long-term disability (STD/LTD)
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Program

Requirements

What You Bring

• An Associate’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, or a related human services field (Bachelor’s preferred)
• Knowledge of domestic violence, crisis intervention, and victim advocacy, helping you step confidently into client support
• Familiarity with housing resources and community systems that allow you to connect clients with real solutions
• A passion for advocacy, empathy, and community-based work (this is an in-person role, not remote)

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Children & Families of Iowa, you’ll join an inclusive, mission-driven organization that values diversity, equity, and the lived experiences of our staff and clients. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and bring their full selves to this work.