Crisis Advocate

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,686 - 43,704; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Generous vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a Crisis Advocate in Seattle, focused on providing support to women in need. The role includes assisting clients in navigating social services and ensuring a welcoming, safe environment. Preferred candidates will have experience in social services, particularly with homeless populations, and possess a client-centered approach. Comprehensive benefits include medical insurance and generous leave policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of direct social service experience, preferably in shelters.
• Ability to work effectively with clients with mental health issues.
• Capacity to respond appropriately in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide supportive services to clients.
• Assist clients in navigating social services.
• Coordinate group activities and community meetings.

Skills

Direct social service experience

Client-centered approach

Organizational and record-keeping skills

Basic computer skills

Ability to navigate social service systems

Job description

Why Work with YWCA Seattle King Snohomish

YWCA SKS is the region’s largest non‑profit organization with a 120‑year legacy, focused on the needs of women. The organization serves 7,000 people annually through programs that promote empowerment and equity. As a full‑time employee (30+ hours) you’ll enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans, vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Position Overview

Angeline’s Day Center serves 75 women daily based on a harm‑reduction, housing‑first model. The Crisis Advocate provides supportive services that help participants identify strengths, assess needs, and develop action plans to encourage stabilization. The role requires critical thinking through the lens of racism and intersections with poverty, applying antiracism principles in everyday work.

Schedule

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 6:00 pm – 6:00 am

Expectations of Your Role

• Provide a welcoming, safe environment by building trust and professional rapport with clients.
• Staff the front desk to welcome women into the space, monitor cameras, and respond to callers and visitors.
• Offer support and encouragement to clients in transition out of homelessness.
• Assist clients in navigating the social service system, obtaining personal identification, applying for public assistance benefits, enrolling in Medicaid, and connecting them to Employment Specialists.
• Assist with housing applications, advocate by connecting with landlords, and support housing search.
• Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation as needed and model positive behavior.
• Coordinate group activities and community meetings.
• Read relevant documents to stay current with internal events, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor outside activity to ensure sidewalks are safe and clear.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings and collaborate with Housing Support Specialists and Rapid Rehousing Case Managers.
• Encourage a supportive community environment through activities and workshops that meet client needs.
• Actively engage in the agency-wide Race & Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for people of color, trans and gender‑non‑conforming folks, and other underserved populations.
• Apply the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism, and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in institutions.

Must Have’s to Be Successful

• At least two years of direct social service experience, preferably in a shelter setting or with a homeless population.
• Ability to work effectively and empathically with clients who have mental health and chemical‑related issues.
• Capacity to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follow safety protocols.
• Positive, client‑centered approach that builds professional rapport and supportive relationships.
• Commitment to diversity and sensitivity to the needs of clients, staff, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and record‑keeping skills; maintain accurate, complete records.
• Obtain CPR/First‑Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to work independently, be proactive, solve problems, and take initiative while contributing to a team environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Basic computer skills, including databases, word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Experience working with communities of color and people from diverse cultures.

Physical Demands

• Frequent use of speech and hearing to exchange information with clients and partners.
• Frequently sits for extended periods while performing desktop activities.
• Continuously stands and walks during duties in the center.
• Frequently uses hands and wrists for handling phones, computers, and supplies.
• Occasionally pushes and pulls up to ten pounds.
• Frequently lifts and carries supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• All staff are exposed to trauma‑related risk; staff encouraged to seek external support and maintain self‑care.

Hours, Rates, & Benefits

• Hourly Range: $27.00
• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Benefits: Medical insurance, retirement plan, generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Employees may enroll in the Fidelity 403(b) Plan at hire and, after two years, are eligible for the YWCA Retirement Fund.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. View our EEO posting and related documents for more information.

Contact

Contact us at [e-mail] with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.