Rape Crisis Advocate

Solace; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 2,800 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-call pay

Direct client education pay

Job summary

Solace is seeking a Rape Crisis Advocate to provide trauma-informed, client-centered crisis advocacy for sexual violence survivors and families. The role is part-time, PRN, and on-call, with a minimum shift commitment and flexible scheduling.

The advocate will respond in hospitals, law enforcement, and community sites, maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards while navigating resources and survivor rights. Travel across counties is required as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel within Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and McCook counties.
• Background checks: FBI/Law Enforcement and Abuse/Neglect registry.

Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for Solace’s 24-hour rape crisis line, delivering immediate crisis intervention and information/referral services.
• Respond in person to support survivors in hospitals, law enforcement, partner sites, and crisis settings.
• Offer survivor-centered advocacy to individuals in incarceration or confinement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of survivor rights and crisis response best practices.
• Develop expertise in PREA requirements and trauma-informed care; collaborate with partners.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Empathy & communication

Resource navigation

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Organization Overview

Solace is a trauma-informed nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families as they pursue emotional well-being, resilience, and hope. We deliver expert, compassionate care through holistic, integrated services, including:

• Solace Crisis Care: Immediate intervention for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse


• Solace Therapy Center: Comprehensive mental health services for all ages


• Solace Healing Arts: Body-based trauma interventions for youth affected by adverse experiences


• Community Outreach: Prevention, education, and training to transform workplaces and communities

Our mission is to empower people along their unique journeys to healing, and our values—trust, compassion, collaboration, accessibility, and excellence—guide every interaction.

Position Summary

As a Rape Crisis Advocate, you will provide trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally responsive crisis advocacy to survivors of sexual violence and their families. Advocates are often the first point of contact during critical moments, providing calm, empathetic support, safety planning, and resource navigation in a variety of settings, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and community locations.

This is a part-time, PRN, on-call position with flexible scheduling and a minimum shift commitment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for Solace’s 24-hour rape crisis line, delivering immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and information/referral services.


• Respond in person to support survivors in hospitals, law enforcement agencies, partner sites, and other crisis settings.


• Offer survivor-centered advocacy to individuals in incarceration or confinement.


• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of survivor rights, community resources, and crisis response best practices.


• Develop expertise in trauma-informed care, advocacy standards, PREA requirements, and additional assigned areas.


• Collaborate with community partners to strengthen survivor-centered practices.

Documentation and Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records in accordance with agency protocols and funder requirements.


• Uphold strict confidentiality, safety protocols, and ethical standards.


• Complete a minimum of six shifts per month (including at least one holiday shift annually) and submit timely documentation.


• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Lead Rape Crisis Advocacy or a member of the Leadership Team.

Training and Support

Solace is committed to supporting advocates with:

• Comprehensive onboarding and advocacy training


• Ongoing supervision, consultation, and debriefing


• Continuing education in trauma stewardship, crisis response, and community systems


• We value and support the wellness and resilience of our staff.

Qualifications Required:

• High School Diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred)


• Must be at least 18 years old


• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation


• Ability to travel within Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and McCook counties


• Successful completion of background checks: FBI/Law Enforcement and Abuse/Neglect registry

Preferred:

• Experience in advocacy, crisis response, social services, healthcare, or related fields


• Knowledge of sexual violence dynamics and survivor-centered practices


• Bilingual or multicultural experiences are strongly valued

Core Competencies

• Strong alignment with Solace’s mission and values


• Empathy, compassion, and emotional maturity


• Ability to remain calm and grounded in high-stress situations


• Excellent communication and crisis de-escalation skills


• Independent work ethic with a collaborative mindset


• Commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and professional boundaries


• Effective problem-solving and resource navigation skills


• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

Schedule and Compensation

• Part-time, PRN, non-exempt; includes days, evenings, nights, and holiday shifts


• Minimum: 6 shifts/month (including 1 holiday shift/year at holiday rate)


• Shifts include on-call and in-person response as needed.


• Pay:
  
  
  
  • $2.00/hour on-call coverage (not providing direct services)
  
  
  • $25.00/hour for direct client/community education work
  
  
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Services are provided in hospitals, law enforcement, confinement environments, and community settings. Physical requirements include:

• Effective in-person and phone communication


• Frequent standing, walking, and traveling


• Manual dexterity for documentation and outreach


• Visual acuity for computer work and recordkeeping

Travel

Regular travel is required within a four-county region. Mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with agency policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Solace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status.

Disclaimer

This job description is not exhaustive. Solace reserves the right to modify, add, or assign responsibilities at any time, with or without notice.