Crisis Advocate

YWCA of Walla Walla; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA of Walla Walla is seeking a Crisis Advocate to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crises. The role involves responding to crisis calls, offering emotional support, safety planning, referrals, and helping clients understand options and access services.

Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not mandatory. Responsibilities include documentation, confidentiality, and collaboration with community partners to promote client safety and well-being.

Qualifications

• WA state driver’s license required.
• Ability to transport clients when needed.
• Able to pass state and national background checks.
• Work with diverse populations respectfully.
• Commitment to cultural competency and inclusivity.
• Proven ability to build respectful relationships.
• Strong planning, organization and problem solving.
• Professionalism and interpersonal communication.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls and provide advocacy and crisis intervention.
• Maintain confidential documentation of services provided.
• Collaborate with community partners for client safety and services.
• Provide trauma-informed, nonjudgmental support.
• Complete intakes and ongoing client support.
• Maintain professional boundaries and sound judgment.

Skills

WA driver’s license

Transport clients

Background check clearance

Diverse populations

Cultural competency

Relationship building

Planning & organization

Interpersonal communication

Education

2 years in Social Services (preferred)

Education/experience equivalence

Experience with survivors

Experience with children

Confidential documentation experience

Independent and team work

Community resources knowledge

Basic computer literacy

Job description

Description

Job Title: Full Time/Part time Crisis Advocate

Reports to: Programs Director

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The on-call Crisis Advocate provides compassionate, trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crisis situations. This position responds to crisis calls, provides emotional support and safety planning, assists with referrals to community resources, and helps survivors understand their options and access available services.

Responsibilities include responding to crisis calls, providing advocacy and crisis intervention, maintaining accurate and confidential documentation, and collaborating with community partners to support client safety and well-being. The Crisis Advocate is expected to maintain professional boundaries, demonstrate sound judgment, and provide respectful, nonjudgmental support to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not mandatory.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential responsibilities listed below:

• Provide professional representation for the YWCA clients and the Walla Walla community
• Become trained in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy
• Become trained to handle and assist with crisis response
• Become trained in legal advocacy and protection order clinic
• Work with domestic violence and sexual assault clients in determining and accessing needed support
• Continue to build relationships and collaborate with community agencies to meet the needs of YWCA clients
• Provide individual empowerment-focused advocacy
• Complete intakes and ongoing support
• Remain current in sexual assault and domestic violence training requirements
• Complete all documentation and digital files in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding clients, staff, and YWCA business in accordance with laws, contracts, and YWCA policy

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills:

• Possess a valid WA state driver’s license
• Transport clients as needed
• Ability to pass a Washington State and National criminal background check
• Ability to work with diverse populations with an outgoing, friendly, and welcoming manner
• Ongoing commitment to cultural competency
• Proven ability to build respectful working relationships with co-workers
• Excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Possess professionalism and interpersonal communication skills

Education & Experience:

• 2 years of experience working in the Social Services industry (preferred)
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job
• Experience communicating or working with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, and age variances.
• Experience and ease working with or around children
• Experience maintaining accurate, confidential, and timely documentation of client files
• Experience working independently with limited supervision, as well as part of a team
• Knowledge of community resources and other partnership agencies
• Basic computer and internet literacy, including Microsoft office and web-based programs