DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATE
About The Position
The Domestic Violence Advocate works within SEI’s Family Stability Programs, part of Community & Family Programs, which strengthens families and households that support underserved youth. The role partners with individuals and families to promote safety, healing, and long-term stability through intensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy grounded in survivor choice, strengths-based practice, and cultural specificity. The advocate centers survivors’ lived experiences and collaborates with SEI programs, public systems, and community partners, with flexibility to engage survivors when support is most impactful. This position reports to the Family Stability Programs Manager. The advocate maintains an active caseload and provides ongoing domestic violence advocacy, including assessment, individualized safety planning, crisis intervention, case management, and legal advocacy. After immediate risks are mediated or reduced, the role also provides time-limited, goal-oriented stabilization support related to housing, finances, healthcare, employment, or education. The advocate coordinates referrals and designated housing stabilization supports, and maintains timely, accurate documentation in accordance with agency, federal, and state requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public health, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and relevant lived experience may be considered.
- At least 2 years of experience providing direct advocacy or support services to survivors of domestic violence or related trauma.
- Demonstrated experience delivering trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and strengths-based services.
- Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, safety planning, crisis response, and survivor rights.
- Knowledge of and ability to navigate government systems, including child protective services and homeless housing systems.
- Willingness to complete the required 40-hour Domestic Violence Basic Advocacy training.
- Ability to engage survivors with empathy, cultural humility, and respect for self-determination.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality requirements, advocacy privilege, and ethical standards.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills, including timely and accurate recordkeeping.
- Current, valid state driver’s license in good standing, with no insurability restrictions; must be insurable under SEI’s auto insurance policy.
Responsibilities
- Maintain an active caseload of individuals experiencing ongoing domestic violence.
- Provide survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy focused on safety, stabilization, and empowerment.
- Conduct comprehensive domestic violence assessments and collaborate with survivors to develop and update individualized safety plans.
- Develop individualized plans supporting safety, housing stability, income, and family well-being using Bridge to Prosperity and Goal Action Plan tools.
- Provide crisis intervention and support during periods of high risk, escalation, or transition.
- Assist survivors with legal advocacy, including accompanying them to court hearings and supporting them with protective, restraining, or stalking orders.
- Provide short-term, goal-oriented support related to housing stabilization, financial safety, healthcare access, employment, or education after immediate domestic violence risks have been mediated or reduced.
- Support survivors navigating transitions after domestic violence resolution, including post-shelter planning, relocation, or independent living.
- Focus time-limited services on reducing barriers and strengthening long-term stability rather than continuing case management after domestic violence advocacy needs have concluded.
- Provide warm handoffs and referrals to community resources, including domestic violence shelters and housing, employment and education programs, medical, mental health and substance use services, and financial empowerment and literacy support.
- Coordinate enrollment and provide case management for designated housing stabilization supports, such as Short Term Rental Assistance, as assigned.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and thorough documentation in SEI’s data platform in accordance with agency, federal, and state legal requirements.
- Clearly document service duration and transitions, distinguishing ongoing domestic violence advocacy from time-limited stabilization support.
- Prepare written reports or documentation for case planning, referrals, or court-related processes as requested.
- Participate in data reviews, supervision, and continuous improvement activities.
- Accept other appropriate duties and responsibilities as assigned by SEI management.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
