Domestic Violence Advocate (Evening Shift)

YWCA Charleston WV; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Charleston WV is seeking a compassionate Domestic Violence Advocate to provide frontline crisis response in a residential shelter and daytime support for survivors and their families.

The role emphasizes safety planning, healthy communication, and trauma-informed care within a warm, calm environment. Responsibilities include helping with daily living activities and maintaining clear, confidential records.

Qualifications

• Experience responding to crisis situations (hotline calls, de-escalation, emotional support, or emergency response).
• Experience supporting survivors from diverse and underserved populations, including trauma and housing instability.
• Familiarity with safety planning, empowerment-based advocacy, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience in a residential setting where shared living dynamics and conflict resolution are required.
• Ability to model healthy communication, set boundaries, and maintain a calm, respectful environment.
• Experience assisting with life-skills support and daily living activities.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline crisis response and daytime support in a residential shelter.
• Assist survivors with safety planning and healthy communication.
• Model boundaries and mediate small disputes to keep a calm environment.
• Help with daily living activities, cooking, cleaning, and shared household care.
• Maintain accurate records and adhere to confidentiality and safety protocols.

Skills

Crisis response

De-escalation

Emotional support

Diversity & inclusion

Safety planning

Trauma-informed care

Residential support

Conflict resolution

Documentation

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Domestic Violence Advocate (Monday through Friday, 4pm to midnight).

The Program

YWCA Resolve is a Family Domestic Violence Program offering 24/7 shelter, a help hotline, pet shelter, and emergency intervention for victims of domestic violence.

The Position

Domestic Violence Advocate (Residential & Crisis Support):

YWCA Charleston needs a compassionate and dependable Domestic Violence Advocate to support survivors in a residential shelter environment. This role provides frontline crisis response and day‑time support that helps create a safe, calm, and empowering space for residents and their families. The Advocate will respond to crisis calls, assist survivors with safety planning, and model healthy communication and conflict resolution within the shelter community. This position also plays a vital role in maintaining the warmth and stability of the home by helping settle house disputes, supporting residents with daily living skills, and assisting with shared responsibilities such as cooking, light cleaning, and overall care of the residence.

The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy, strong boundaries, and the ability to remain calm in high‑stress situations while promoting dignity, accountability, and healing for all residents. Experience in trauma‑informed care, crisis intervention, or residential support is preferred, along with a deep commitment to YWCA’s mission of empowering women and strengthening families.

Skills, & Experience

• Demonstrated experience responding to crisis situations (hotline calls, de‑escalation, emotional support, or emergency response).
• Experience supporting individuals from diverse and underserved populations, including survivors of trauma, housing instability, or family violence.
• Familiarity with safety planning, empowerment‑based advocacy, and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Experience in a communal or residential setting (shelter, group home, campus housing, childcare, or similar environment) where shared living dynamics and conflict resolution are required.
• Proven ability to model healthy communication and boundaries, mediate minor disputes, and maintain a calm, respectful environment.
• Experience assisting with life‑skills support such as cooking, cleaning routines, household organization, and reinforcing shared community expectations.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow confidentiality standards, and adhere to program policies and safety protocols.

Education & Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) or years of experience in a relevant field.
• Must be willing to work holidays, during inclement weather, and residential health outbreaks, such as the flu.
• Preference given to applicants with relevant training or certifications (or willingness to obtain), such as:
  • Domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy training.
  • Crisis intervention or hotline training.
  • Trauma‑informed care.
  • CPR/First Aid.
  • Mandated reporter training.
    

A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.

Why Should You Apply?

• You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life!
• You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self‑sufficient!
• You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of an individual and the organization!

Compensation:

$13.00 per hour w/ Shift Differential Pay.