Community Advocate, Gender Based Violence

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish•Lynnwood, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Community Advocate specializing in Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) to join their Gender-Based Violence Services team. This role supports survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and sexual assault throughout Snohomish County. The advocate will help survivors navigate complex systems, access resources for safety and stability, and build trusting relationships. The position is based in Lynnwood with regular travel throughout Snohomish County. The ideal candidate is empathetic, resourceful, and believes in a survivor's right to self-determination.

Requirements

At least one year of direct social service, advocacy, case management, crisis response, community outreach, or other related experience, or relevant transferable lived experience in lieu of a social services degree.
Experience working with or supporting individuals impacted by gender-based violence, commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, homelessness, or other significant barriers to safety and stability.
Understanding of gender-based violence, including commercial sexual exploitation/human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence.
Experience working with people from marginalized communities and an ability to provide culturally responsive services, particularly to Black and African American survivors.
Demonstrated ability to help individuals navigate complex systems such as courts, legal services, housing, healthcare, social services, and law enforcement.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to establish trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively to crisis situations and use sound judgment when situations are complex or rapidly changing.
Ability to work independently in the community while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.
Ability to maintain timely, accurate client documentation and manage multiple priorities.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout Snohomish County during the workday.
Ability and willingness to work 100% onsite, with Lynnwood serving as the position's home office.
Willingness to complete required advocacy training related to domestic violence, advocacy-based counseling, safety planning, and crisis intervention.

Nice To Haves

Regularly communicates with clients, coworkers, community partners, and other individuals in person, by phone, and through virtual technology.
Frequently sits, stands, walks, and moves between office, community, and client service locations throughout the workday.
Regularly uses computers, phones, and other standard office equipment.
Occasionally accesses client living spaces, including residences within multi-level apartment buildings.
Frequently travels throughout Snohomish County to meet with clients, attend community meetings, conduct outreach, and collaborate with partner organizations. Local travel may account for up to 50% of the position.
Works directly with individuals who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma, including commercial sexual exploitation, domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, and other significant life challenges. This work may involve exposure to emotionally difficult situations and secondary trauma.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis intervention, and ongoing support to adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Build trusting relationships with survivors while honoring their choices, experiences, strengths, and individual goals.
Conduct client intakes, assess immediate and longer-term needs, and determine eligibility for available services.
Partner with survivors to develop individualized service and safety plans focused on safety, stability, and self-determination.
Connect survivors with housing, emergency shelter, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment, financial assistance, and other community resources.
Respond to referrals, crisis calls, and requests for advocacy in accordance with program expectations.
Help survivors understand and navigate complex systems, including courts, housing, healthcare, social services, law enforcement, and other community-based systems.
Provide advocacy and support related to protection orders, family law matters, lease terminations, CPS involvement, relocation assistance, and interactions with law enforcement.
Advocate alongside survivors to address barriers and improve access to services and resources.
Coordinate with community providers and other professionals while maintaining survivor confidentiality and choice.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, legal professionals, law enforcement, housing providers, and other partners throughout Snohomish County.
Represent YWCA at community meetings, multidisciplinary teams, outreach events, and other community activities.
Develop and facilitate presentations and trainings that increase awareness of commercial sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and available YWCA services.
Participate in outreach that improves access to services for survivors who have historically experienced barriers to support, particularly Black and African American survivors.
Maintain accurate and timely client records, case notes, service documentation, and other required program records.
Complete required statistical reporting, grant documentation, and program narratives.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure services and documentation comply with agency policies and funding requirements.
Complete required domestic violence advocacy training and at least 20 hours of continuing education annually.
Actively participate in YWCA's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and contribute to an equitable and inclusive workplace.
Perform other related duties in support of the program and YWCA mission.