Victim Advocate

Job Description

JobTitle:
Advocate

JobStatus:
RegularFull Time, Salaried

FLSA:
Exempt

Reportsto:
Director

Job Summary/Purpose:

The Victim Services Advocate provides advanced case management and trauma-informed advocacy for individualsimpactedby domestic violence. Operating witha high levelof autonomy and discretion, this role conducts comprehensive client assessments, oversees intake processes, and coordinates referrals to internal and external service providers. The Advocate ensures that clients are informed of their legal rights,understandscomplex judicial processes, and receives both immediate crisis intervention and ongoing emotional support.

EssentialDuties andKeyResponsibilities:

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of clientstodetermineneeds andappropriate services; assigns intake interviews to staff based on case complexity and teamcapacity.

• Manages and oversees the maintenance of confidential client records,ensuringaccuratecase notes, data entry, and compliance with agency protocols and funding requirements.

• Provides crisis intervention and emergency supportto victims of domestic violence, using professional judgment to assess risk and ensure immediate safety and stabilization.

• Ensures victims are informed of their legal rights,in accordance withrelevant federal, state, and local laws; serves as a knowledgeable point of contactregardinglegal and judicial procedures.

• Implements trauma-informed strategiesto provide emotional and logistical support, reduce risk of re-victimization, and connect clients to long-term resources.

• Interprets and explains legal, law enforcement, and agency regulationsto clients,facilitatingtheir understanding of complex systems such as courts and social services.

• Coordinates and monitors follow-up servicesasappropriate, exercising discretion indeterminingscope and level of continuing support.

• Acts asliaisonto off-site placement locations,providing the VISTAS Program Director with ongoing updates related to placement schedules, policies, closures, and site-specific compliance.

• Representsthe agency in communication with partner organizations,ensuring alignment with VISTAS program standards andfacilitatinginter-agency coordination.

• Prepares detailed monthly program reports,compiling statistical and qualitative data to support performance evaluation, compliance with funders, and internal decision-making.

• Drafts and presents written materials,including case summaries, policy recommendations, and professional correspondence; engages in public speaking as needed torepresentthe agencys services and outcomes.

• Allmembers of the SDLR workforce are expected to support the agencys community outreach, civic engagement, and recruitment efforts.

• Support the agencys fundraisingobjectives, which may include taskssuch asactive fundraising, grant development, solicitation of donations, agencyambassadorship,informational outreach, and public speaking.

• Commitment to andexperiencewithequity, cultural relevance, diversity, social justice, and disparity reduction practices with persons of color, agencies of color, and underserved communities.

• Ability toestablishand maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, agency partners, and the public.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education,experienceand Credentialing:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bilingual (English-Spanish)

PreferredEducation,experienceand Credentialing:

• Bachelors degree in human services, psychology, social work, public health, or related field preferred.

• Twoyears experiencein the human services field preferred.

• National Advocate Credential Program (NACP) certification preferred.

Key Competencies:

• VALUES & CULTURE
  Respects the agencys values and is accountabletoliving the mission ofServiciosde la Raza.

• DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY- Is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce; recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and fosters a work environment reflective of the community at large.

• DECISION MAKING- Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

• BUILDING TRUST- Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in ones intentions and those of the organization.

• BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS Identifying opportunities andtaking action to buildstrategic relationships between ones area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.

• INNOVATION- Creating novel solutions with measurable value for existing and potential customers (internal or external); experimenting with new ways to solve work problems and seize opportunities that result in unique and differentiated solutions.

• DRIVING FOR RESULTS- Settinghigh goalsfor personal and group accomplishment; using measurement methods tomonitorprogress toward goals; tenaciously working to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction from that achievement and continuous improvement.

• STRESS TOLERANCE-Maintainingstable performance under pressure or opposition (e.g., experiencing time pressure, conflict, or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.

WorkingEnvironmentand Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employeeis regularly required to: stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers tooperatecomputers,telephones, and a variety of office equipment.

• Occasionallymayneed to reach,stoop,or kneel.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.

• ADA accessible; Active Safety Committee.

• Ability to perform basic office duties.

Benefits:

• An eager, thriving organization committed toservingwithexcellence.

• SDLR supports Fair Chance hiring and employment practices.

• Generousbenefitpackageincluding Health,FSA,Dental, Vision, Short-term Disability,Long-term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program,and Paid Time Off,401K, etc.

Inclusion and Diversity:

Serviciosde la Raza is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are a non-profit organization where diverse backgrounds,experiences,andviewpoints are valued.Serviciosde la Raza does not make hiring or employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, ethnic or national origin, or any other basis protected by all local, state, or federal laws.