Social Worker

The Domestic Violence Advocate is responsible for providing trauma informed, survivor centered services to individuals impacted by domestic violence. This position requires a Master of Social Work to conduct psychosocial assessments, develop individualized service plans to provide crisis intervention and counseling, and facilitate access to internal and external resources. The Advocate ensures compliance with program standards, documentation requirements, and YWCA policies while supporting survivors in achieving safety, stability, and long-term independence.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

 

·         Provide trauma‑informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling to survivors of domestic violence based on guidance from the Executive Director, Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer (Leadership Team). 

·         Assist survivors in accessing and navigating community systems, including housing, legal services, law enforcement, social services, healthcare, and employment resources.

·         Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized safety plans in accordance with program guidelines.

·         Serve as a Job Coach for program participants, providing support in job readiness, employment search, and workforce engagement.

·         Facilitate support groups, educational workshops, and life‑skills programming.

·         Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records, including progress notes, assessments, service plans, and required reporting.

·         Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, DV core trainings/conferences, and interagency collaboration efforts.

·         Conduct outreach and provide community education related to domestic violence awareness and prevention.

·         Provide follow‑up services, including home visits when required, to support survivors transitioning to permanent housing.

·         Compile and submit monthly statistics, service documentation, and program data in accordance with agency and funder requirements.

·         Provide supervision and mentorship to interns from accredited Social Work programs.

·         Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Domestic Violence Programs or Leadership Team.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise a maximum of three (3) interns annually from colleges in Central New York, School of Social Work, Public Health, or Human Services or other accredited MSW programs.

Minimum Qualification Standards:
Master’s degree in social work (MSW) is required.  Eligibility for LMSW or LCSW is preferred but not required.

Special Requirements:
Driver’s License 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques and styles. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and or presentation on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Mathematical
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages. Ability to apply concepts.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (body language) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 

Equipment, Machines, and Software Used:
General office equipment is used