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Reports to: Education & Prevention Manager
Department:Â Community Programs
Job Classification: Advocate
FLSA Status:Â Regular Full-Time, Exempt
Wage:Â $25.00 - $28.58 per hour
Benefits Included: Group Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, HRA, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, 401k
Organizational Overview
Established in Tacoma in 1906, YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunities and ensuring safety for adults and children in the greater Tacoma community. As a pioneer in the domestic violence service field, YWCA Pierce County opened Washington State’s first emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors in 1976. This milestone established YWCA Pierce County as a leader in providing comprehensive support services for domestic violence survivors.
As an inclusive non-profit organization, YWCA Pierce County offers crucial assistance to domestic violence survivors and their children. Our services are accessible to all survivors, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. To overcome language barriers, our bilingual staff and interpretation services ensure smooth transitions for all clients. Annually, YWCA Pierce County supports over 5,000 adults and children affected by domestic violence, providing them with essential resources and support.
YWCA Pierce County is committed to transforming lives through safety, healing, and empowerment. Our comprehensive domestic violence support services include emergency shelter, legal assistance, support groups, and community education programs. Join us in our mission to end domestic violence and empower survivors in the Tacoma community.
Job Summary
The Community Advocate provides direct advocacy, crisis intervention, and resource support to survivors seeking services through walk-ins, scheduled appointments, or the agency hotline. This position also assists support groups and education and prevention activities.
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Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Direct Survivor Advocacy:
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals.
- Assess clients’ immediate needs and connect them to resources.
- Assist survivors in identifying strengths and accessing community resources.
- Maintain accurate, confidential case documentation.
- Distribute emergency goods and support collaboration with partner agencies.
- Assists the receptionist with front desk coverage as needed
Hotline Coverage:
- Answer hotline calls and provide crisis support and safety planning.
- Follow agency procedures for crisis response and documentation.
Support Group Assistance:
- Facilitate in-person or virtual support groups.
- Maintain attendance, materials, and documentation.
- Ensure emotional safety and appropriate boundaries.
Education & Prevention Activities:
- Assist with outreach, presentations, and community events.
- Support educational programming logistics and preparation.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position may provide task-level instruction to volunteers and interns.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Commitment to the YWCA vision, mission, and values
- Proactively gather and compile current knowledge of local community resources
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds
- Ability to manage multiple tasks under deadlines
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedures manuals, and course curriculum
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence without the use of AI
- Ability to listen effectively and truly understand what clients/community partners are saying
- Ability and willingness to speak effectively to groups of clients and community partners
- Ability to compute percentages, compile statistics, and track demographic information
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and schedule formats
- Ability to apply broad concepts appropriately and consistently to varied situations
Education & Experience
- Associate's degree in Human Services, Human Development, Education, Social Work, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Minimum of two years' experience providing direct support or advocacy within social services, including working with youth, survivors, or other vulnerable populations
- Minimum of one year experience in public speaking, presentations, group facilitation, or teachingÂ
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