Advocate (FT/PT/PRN)

Core Advocate Responsibilities (All Programs)

All Advocates, regardless of program assignment, are expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Program Support: Effectively support program operations, workflows, and service delivery requirements in alignment with assigned role and agency standards, including cross-training.

• Trauma-Informed Practice: Utilize survivor-centered and culturally responsive approaches in all client interactions, prioritizing autonomy, dignity, and choice.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide trauma-informed crisis counseling, emotional support, de-escalation, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals to individuals experiencing interpersonal violence.

• System Navigation & Advocacy: Assist clients in navigating medical, legal, housing, and social service systems as appropriate to client needs and program scope.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to coordinate client care and support continuity of services.

• Documentation & Accountability: Maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation in accordance with agency policies, quality assurance standards, and grant requirements.

• Professional Conduct: Maintain professional boundaries, ethical standards, and emotional regulation in high-stress and crisis environments.

Program-Specific Responsibilities

The following outlines examples of responsibilities by department. Duties vary based on program assignment.

Crisis Response Team

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals through the agency’s 24/7 crisis line.

• Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.

• Travel in 9-county service area to provide in-person advocacy and support to survivors in hospital and clinical settings.

• Coordinate with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners as appropriate.

• Complete follow-up support and documentation related to crisis calls, walk-ins, and hospital responses.

Emergency Shelter Team

• Provide advocacy, safety planning, case management, transportation assistance, groups, and supportive services to residents in the 24/7 emergency shelter.

• Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.

• Support residents with daily living needs, conflict resolution, and transition planning.

• Coordinating pet care with clients and community partners.

• Facilitate or support shelter-based groups and psychoeducational activities.

• Coordinate with internal teams and community partners as appropriate.

• Complete follow-up support and documentation related to shelter services.

Community Services Team

• Provide case management, legal advocacy, group, and referrals to non-residential clients in the 9-county service area (KY: Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Shelby, Trimble; IN: Clark, Floyd).

• Deliver mobile advocacy to clients in a setting deemed safe by both the client and advocate in the 9-county service area.

• Respond to in-person walk-in clients seeking immediate support.

• Coordinate with community partners, social service agencies, law enforcement, and healthcare providers as appropriate.

• Complete follow-up support and documentation related to the services listed above.

• Travel in 9-county service area on a regular basis using CWF and/or personal vehicle.