Trauma-Informed Survivor Advocate

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is seeking a compassionate Community Advocate to provide trauma-informed advocacy and comprehensive support to adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The role emphasizes relationship-building, navigating complex systems, and developing individualized safety plans.

The position is 100% onsite with regular travel across South King County to meet clients, attend meetings, and collaborate with partner organizations.

Qualifications

• One year of Direct Social Service experience or translatable lived experience in lieu of a social services degree.
• Familiarity with navigating multiple systems (municipal, superior courts, legal systems, law enforcement).
• Experience with gender-based violence survivors from marginalized communities, especially African American communities.
• Knowledge of gender-based violence such as sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence and human trafficking.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Calendar, Teams, Excel) and virtual meeting tech like Zoom.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel between work sites in a day.
• Willingness to complete at least 20 hours of initial basic training covering advocacy-based counseling, safety planning and crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and ongoing case management to adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
• Conduct comprehensive client intakes, assess immediate and long-term needs, and determine program eligibility.
• Develop individualized service plans that promote safety, stability, and self-determination.
• Create safety plans tailored to each survivor's circumstances and goals.
• Connect clients with housing, healthcare, behavioral health, employment, financial assistance, and other community resources.
• Complete housing assessments and coordinate emergency shelter placements when appropriate.
• Support survivors in navigating legal and community systems, including protection orders, family law matters, lease terminations, CPS involvement, relocation assistance, and interactions with law enforcement.
• Advocate alongside clients to reduce barriers and improve access to services.
• Respond promptly to referrals, crisis calls, and requests for assistance in accordance with program standards.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, legal professionals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
• Represent YWCA at community meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and outreach events.
• Plan and facilitate presentations and trainings to increase awareness of YWCA services.
• Participate in outreach efforts that improve access to services for survivors furthest from opportunity, particularly Black and African American survivors.
• Maintain accurate, timely client records, case notes, and service documentation.
• Complete required grant reporting, statistical reporting, and program narratives.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, and confidentiality standards.
• Complete required domestic violence advocacy training and at least 20 hours of continuing education annually.
• Participate in YWCA's RSJI and contribute to an equitable, inclusive workplace.

Skills

Direct Social Service

System navigation

GBV survivors experience

Gender-based violence knowledge

MS Office & Zoom

Driver's License & travel

Training commitment

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Job description

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is seeking a compassionate Community Advocate to provide trauma-informed advocacy and comprehensive support to adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The role emphasizes relationship-building, navigating complex systems, and developing individualized safety plans.

The position is 100% onsite with regular travel across South King County to meet clients, attend meetings, and collaborate with partner organizations.