Director of Survivor Advocacy & Crisis Response

YWCA South Hampton Roads•Norfolk, VA

just now•$65,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Chief Impact & Operating Officer, the Director of Survivor Advocacy & Crisis Response provides strategic leadership for YWCA South Hampton Roads’ counseling, 24/7 crisis hotline, and victim advocacy services. This role ensures survivors receive comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support that promotes healing, empowerment, safety, and long-term stability. This leader oversees clinical services, counseling, 24/7 crisis hotline, and victim advocacy programs while advancing service quality, ethical practice, and survivor-centered care.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience).
Minimum 5 years in nonprofit leadership roles with direct supervision responsibilities.
Deep knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma-informed advocacy.
Proven experience with program management, grant compliance, and community-based services.
Commitment to racial and gender equity and YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Must be 18 years of age
Must complete the training programs of YWCA SHR
Must complete a successful background check
Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal violence and a strong commitment to ending violence against women, men, and children.
Non-judgmental attitude, sensitive to confidential information.
Must be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond to participants in a professional and reassuring manner.
Demonstrate ability to act as an advocate on behalf of clients with a working knowledge of legal, medical, and social service systems.
Must be able to function as a team with other co-workers.
Ability to work well with people of various ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Must complete the training programs of the YWCA SHR.
Must have excellent driving record and have a valid driver’s license; certificate of insurance from an insurance carrier licensed in the State of Virginia.
Requires willingness to work and travel alone.
Travel is required and access to reliable transportation is essential.

Nice To Haves

Experience in clinical counseling or therapeutic program oversight, victim advocacy or survivor services, case management program leadership, or trauma-informed behavioral health or social services systems
Bilingual (Spanish/English or other high-need languages) a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for counseling services, 24/7 crisis hotline operations, victim advocacy, legal advocacy, and supportive survivor services.
Ensure the delivery of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and equity-driven services that promote safety, healing, empowerment, and long-term stability.
Oversee program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement efforts across all survivor advocacy and support programs.
Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices related to counseling services, crisis intervention, advocacy, confidentiality, and participant care.
Monitor program utilization, service outcomes, hotline responsiveness, participant engagement, and overall program effectiveness.
Ensure alignment of services and programming with organizational mission, strategic priorities, and evolving community needs.
Provide leadership, supervision, and support to clinicians, victim advocates, hotline staff, and program managers.
Foster a collaborative, trauma-informed, and accountable workplace culture that supports professional growth, inclusion, and staff well-being.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance management, and staff development initiatives.
Provide reflective supervision, coaching, and clinical-informed guidance to staff serving survivors impacted by trauma and violence.
Promote staff resilience, retention, and sustainability through supportive leadership and wellness-centered practices.
Oversee service documentation, participant records, hotline documentation, and outcome tracking to ensure quality and accountability.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, VAWA confidentiality requirements, ethical standards, accreditation standards where applicable, and all grant and funding requirements.
Lead quality assurance and program monitoring activities to strengthen service delivery, participant experience, and program effectiveness.
Utilize participant feedback, data analysis, and outcome measurement to evaluate services and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Coordinate with leadership, finance, and grants teams to support audits, reporting requirements, and contract compliance.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with courts, healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement, social service agencies, and victim service organizations.
Represent the organization in community coalitions, coordinated response teams, and advocacy initiatives related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
Strengthen coordinated community responses and referral systems to improve survivor access to supportive services and resources.
Identify opportunities for program growth, partnership development, and enhanced survivor support services within the community.
Provide DART/SART trainings to partners (DART = Domestic Assault Response Team, SART = Sexual Assault Response Team).
Support innovation in counseling access, advocacy models, and crisis response services.
Contribute to grant writing, reporting, and organizational impact storytelling.
Perform other duties as assigned.