Advocate

Make a Difference in the Lives of Survivors!

Location: Brainerd, MN
Schedule: Weekdays and Every Other Weekend | 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Hours: Average 30–40 hours per week

Join Our Team!

Are you compassionate, dependable, and passionate about helping others? Relationship Safety Alliance (formerly Mid-Minnesota Women's Center) is looking for a dedicated Advocate to join our team at the Louise Seliski Shelter in Brainerd, MN.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. As an Advocate, you will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and resources to survivors as they work toward safety, healing, and independence.

Position Details

• Shift: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Schedule: Some weekdays and every other weekend, with some holidays required
• Hours: Average 30–40 hours per week
• Benefits: Sick time accrual, with vacation and holiday benefits available after six months of employment, in accordance with agency policy.
• Location: Louise Seliski Shelter – Brainerd, MN

What You'll Do

Survivor Support & Advocacy

• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.
• Respond to crisis calls and assist individuals seeking emergency shelter and advocacy services.
• Help survivors develop individualized safety plans and identify resources to meet their needs.
• Provide emotional support, information, referrals, and assistance with navigating community resources.
• Empower survivors to make informed decisions about their safety and future.
• Coordinate transportation and assist clients in accessing essential services when needed.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.

Shelter Operations

• Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for shelter residents and their children.
• Assist with daily shelter operations, including safety checks, security procedures, and resident needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided.
• Assist with maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout the shelter, including preparing rooms for new residents.
• Follow agency policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff.

SANE Response

• Respond to local hospitals to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy to individuals who have experienced sexual assault.
• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed, survivor-centered support before, during, and after Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams, based on each survivor's needs and preferences.
• Explain available resources, support services, and reporting options while respecting each survivor's right to make their own decisions.
• Collaborate with medical professionals and community partners to ensure survivors have access to appropriate care and resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete required documentation following agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in required sexual assault advocacy and SANE response training. Training will be provided.

Teamwork & Community Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with fellow advocates, supervisors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Help connect survivors with community resources, including housing, legal assistance, employment, and other support services.
• Support the mission and values of Relationship Safety Alliance.
• Assist with additional program activities and responsibilities as needed.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to support individuals experiencing crisis.
• Strong communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive in challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and nonjudgmental advocacy.
• Ability to work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn agency documentation systems.
• Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully complete a Minnesota DHS background study.
• Availability to work scheduled weekday shifts, every other weekend, and some holidays.

Preferred but Not Required

• Experience in social work, human services, advocacy, crisis intervention, or a related field.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and survivor-centered services.
• Experience working with individuals and families experiencing crisis.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

Physical Requirements

This position involves a combination of direct client support, administrative responsibilities, and shelter operations. Duties may include standing, walking, sitting, using computers and office equipment, cleaning, preparing meals, lifting up to 40 pounds, and transporting clients as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

About Relationship Safety Alliance

Relationship Safety Alliance (RSA), formerly Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, has served individuals and families affected by domestic violence since 1978.

Our mission is to provide safety, advocacy, empowerment, and education to individuals and families impacted by relationship abuse.

We operate three programs:

• Louise Seliski Shelter: A 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter providing confidential housing, advocacy, and support for survivors, their children, and their pets.
• Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center: A supervised visitation and exchange program focused on providing safe, supportive environments for children and families.
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program: A collaborative program providing compassionate, trauma-informed medical forensic care and advocacy for individuals who have experienced sexual assault. In partnership with trained SANE nurses, the program helps ensure survivors have access to specialized medical care, emotional support, resources, and advocacy throughout the process.

At RSA, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered. Our advocates play an essential role in helping survivors navigate difficult circumstances and move toward a safer future.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're looking for meaningful work where you can positively impact the lives of others, we encourage you to apply!

Join our team and help create a community free from violence.

Relationship Safety Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on any legally protected status. Employment is at will, and positions are supported through various funding sources.

Pay: From $20.13 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Victim Services : 1 year (Preferred)
• Social work: 1 year (Preferred)
• Crisis management: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20