Sexual Violence Advocate

FRIENDS, Inc.; West Bend (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

FRIENDS, Inc. seeks a Sexual Violence Advocate to support survivors in shelter and community settings. You will deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered care, provide comprehensive case management, and connect clients with housing, benefits, mental health, and other resources.

You will participate in crisis response, coordinate with the Legal Advocate when needed, and collaborate with staff to promote safety, autonomy, and justice for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, or commensurate education/experience.
• 1–5 years of experience with sexual assault or domestic violence victims.
• Experience with case management.
• Excellent communication and cultural competence.
• Strong self-motivation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and maintain reliability.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered care in every interaction.
• Provide comprehensive case management including assessment and safety planning.
• Serve as back-up to the Legal Advocate for DV/SV matters.
• Facilitate groups and crisis response through the crisis line.
• Build relationships with youth and manage referrals to resources.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data reporting.
• Represent FRIENDS, Inc. in community education and events.
• Collaborate with Shelter Manager on intakes, exits, and transitions.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Case management

Advocacy

Communication

Cultural competence

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Job description

The Sexual Violence Advocate is a critical and highly impactful position at FRIENDS, Inc., designed for someone who is compassionate, driven, and ready to stand alongside survivors of sexual and domestic violence. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in crisis intervention, emotional support, systems advocacy, and community partnership work—all through a trauma-informed, empowerment-based lens.

This position provides services both in shelter and in the community and is ideal for someone who is passionate about creating change, believes in survivor autonomy, and thrives in dynamic and collaborative settings.

Standard shift coverage is:

Monday 8:00AM – 4:30PM

Tuesday 12:00PM – 8:30PM

Wednesday 8:00AM – 4:30PM

Thursday 8:00AM – 4:30PM

Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM

Saturday Occasional

Sunday Occasional

Essential Functions:

General Duties:

• Deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered care in every interaction, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and affirming.
• Provide comprehensive case management to sexual and domestic violence survivors, including assessment, goal planning, safety planning, emotional support, and connection to community resources (housing, employment, benefits, mental health, substance use support, etc.).
• Serve as back-up to the Legal Advocate for charging conferences related to DV/SV when needed.
• Facilitate monthly Adult Support Group, fostering resilience and connection.
• Respond to calls on the crisis line, providing immediate emotional support, safety planning, and resource linkage.
• Build supportive relationships with youth at the juvenile detention center and provide consistent one-on-one or group advocacy services.
• Stay well-informed about local, regional, and statewide resources to best support client referrals and navigation.
• Assist with the Safe at Home Program, helping survivors protect their confidential address and increase safety.
• Completes client intakes and maintains accurate program paperwork and documentation in paper files and within Osnium according to agency timelines.
• Practice professional, respectful communication with all community partners and internal team members.
• Attend regular staff meetings, coordinator meetings, and weekly one-on-one supervision.
• Assist with data tracking and reporting by gathering program statistics, client success stories, and written program summaries.
• Participate in internal and external committees, workgroups, and events as needed to represent the voice of survivors and FRIENDS, Inc.
• Actively support and attend FRIENDS, Inc. events, outreach efforts, and community education initiatives.
• Represent the agency with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.

Additional Duties Specific to Sexual Violence:

• Provide individualized advocacy and emotional support to teens and adults impacted by sexual violence, including navigating healing journeys, grounding techniques, and next-step planning.
• Participate in a rotating schedule of daytime and after-hours response coverage for:
  • SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exams
  • Law enforcement advocacy
  • Child Advocacy Center (CAC) forensic interviews
• Help manage the SANE Program by training SANE volunteers/staff and facilitating ongoing training opportunities.
• Provide trauma-informed guidance and system navigation for survivors facing campus-based sexual assault, including Title IX support and academic accommodations.
• Contribute to planning and outreach for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and other awareness activities throughout the year.
• Assist clients with completing Crime Victim Compensation applications to access financial relief for crime-related expenses.

Additional Duties Specific to Emergency Shelter:

• Act as liaison with local school districts to enroll school-aged children in compliance with McKinney-Vento Act requirements (within 3 business days of arrival). Sexual Violence Advocate provides crisis intervention, advocacy, support, and case management to victims of sexual violence and domestic violence, including housing and community victims.
• Provide weekly one-on-one check-ins with shelter clients to build trust, enhance independence, and support emotional well-being.
• Support clients in conflict resolution and healthy communication, particularly within the communal living environment.
• Work collaboratively with the Shelter Manager to coordinate intakes, exits, and transitions for shelter residents.
• Conduct comprehensive shelter intakes and assessments within 24 hours of client arrival (rotating with the DV/SV Advocate).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field – will consider commensurate combination of education and experience
• 1 to 5 years of experience working with sexual assault/domestic violence victims
• Experience with case management
• Excellent communication skills; cultural competence and the ability to interact with diverse populations.
• Strong self-motivation and organizational skills to manage a variety of diversified tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client needs.
• Valid Driver’s License