Domestic Violence Advocate

YWCA Charleston • Charleston, WV

2d • Onsite

About The Position

YWCA Charleston needs a compassionate and dependable Domestic Violence Advocate to support survivors in a residential shelter environment in the evening and overnight. This role provides frontline crisis response and day-to-day support that helps create a safe, calm, and empowering space for residents and their families. The Advocate will respond to crisis calls, assist survivors with safety planning, and model healthy communication and conflict resolution within the shelter community. This position also plays a vital role in maintaining the warmth and stability of the home by helping settle house disputes, supporting residents with daily living skills, and assisting with shared responsibilities such as cooking, light cleaning, and overall care of the residence. The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy, strong boundaries, and the ability to remain calm in high-stress situations while promoting dignity, accountability, and healing for all residents.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience responding to crisis situations (hotline calls, de-escalation, emotional support, or emergency response)
• Experience supporting individuals from diverse and underserved populations, including survivors of trauma, housing instability, or family violence
• Familiarity with safety planning, empowerment-based advocacy, and trauma-informed care practices
• Experience in a communal or residential setting (shelter, group home, campus housing, childcare, or similar environment) where shared living dynamics and conflict resolution are required
• Proven ability to model healthy communication and boundaries, mediate minor disputes, and maintain a calm, respectful environment
• Experience assisting with life-skills support such as cooking, cleaning routines, household organization, and reinforcing shared community expectations
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) or years of experience in a relevant field
• Must be willing to work holidays, during inclement weather, and residential health outbreaks, such as the flu

Nice To Haves

• Experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or residential support is preferred
• Deep commitment to YWCA’s mission of empowering women and strengthening families
• Relevant training or certifications (or willingness to obtain), such as: Domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy training, Crisis intervention or hotline training, Trauma-informed care, CPR/First Aid, Mandated reporter training

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls
• Assist survivors with safety planning
• Model healthy communication and conflict resolution within the shelter community
• Settle house disputes
• Support residents with daily living skills
• Assist with shared responsibilities such as cooking, light cleaning, and overall care of the residence
• Maintain accurate documentation
• Follow confidentiality standards
• Adhere to program policies and safety protocols

Benefits

• Make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life
• Help people become empowered to be self-sufficient
• Be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of the individual and the organization

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED