Anderson County Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
About The Position
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women across East Tennessee. Every day, we bring this mission to life through trauma-informed programs that serve women, children, and families in six counties. Guided by the values of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity, we strive to build safe, healthy, and empowered communities. The Anderson County Family Justice Center Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Operating in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, this role ensures survivors have immediate access to crisis intervention, safety planning, court advocacy, and supportive resources. The advocate also participates in the High-Risk Intervention Team (HRIT) to provide coordinated response for survivors at elevated risk. The ideal candidate is empathetic, organized, and committed to survivor empowerment and justice.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
- Candidates with a high school diploma and 5+ years of relevant experience or lived experience may be considered.
- Experience providing trauma-informed advocacy and legal support for survivors of domestic violence.
- Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, systemic barriers, and community resources.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
- Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work with diverse populations with professionalism and empathy.
- Must pass a background check and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Provide confidential, trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy for individuals experiencing domestic violence at the Anderson County Family Justice Center.
- Conduct safety planning, danger assessments, crisis intervention, resource linkage, and assistance with filing Orders of Protection.
- Provide court advocacy as needed and support clients navigating the legal system.
- Assist survivors with applications, referrals to housing, benefits, transportation, financial assistance, and other basic needs.
- Ensure every survivor understands their rights, options, and supportive services available through YWCA and community partners.
- Provide public education presentations and professional training to partners and community groups.
- Participate in a minimum of two outreach events per month to raise awareness of domestic violence resources.
- Represent YWCA Victim Services at community meetings, trainings, and collaborative initiatives.
- Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement, courts, and service providers.
- Support agency-wide initiatives.
- Assist in planning and participating in YWCA’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign and community events.
- Actively participate in HRIT meetings and activities to provide advocacy and support for survivors at high risk of serious harm.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, courts, and community partners to ensure safety and continuity of services for high-risk survivors.
- Maintain accurate, organized and confidential case documentation in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
- Collect and input accurate data into Empower for reporting and grant compliance (VOCA and other funding sources).
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements, agency policies, and confidentiality standards (including VAWA and HIPAA).
- Support monthly and quarterly and annual reporting by providing data, success stories, and outcome measures.
- Assist in evaluating program effectiveness through outcome tracking and survivor feedback.
- Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and multidisciplinary collaborations.
- Participate in regular supervision and debriefings with the Director of Victim Services.
- Mentor interns or newly hired advocates as assigned, modeling trauma-informed and professional best practices.
- Engage in a minimum of professional development trainings related to domestic violence, trauma, cultural humility, crisis response, and leadership skills.
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment within Victim Services and across the agency.
- Assist the Director of Victim Services with special projects and program development as needed.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Competitive retirement plan with employer contribution
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, mental health days, 10 holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
