Domestic Violence Advocate: Residential

MUST LIVE WITHIN A 25 MILE RADIUS OF CULPEPER, VIRGINIA

Position Summary

The Residential Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy to individuals residing in an emergency shelter. This role provides primary day-to-day support for residential clients—helping them stabilize, access resources, navigate benefit systems, and move toward housing, employment, safety, and long-term independence. The Residential Advocate collaborates closely with the Youth & Child Coordinator to coordinate services for families with children and works as part of a team to maintain responsive, safe, and supportive residential services.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

Residential Advocacy & Case Support (Primary)

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and supportive advocacy using trauma-informed, empowerment-based practice.
• Conduct regular resident check-ins to assess needs, reduce barriers, and support progress toward individualized goals (housing, income, benefits, healthcare, transportation, legal resources, etc.).
• Support residents in navigating applications and systems (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, local assistance), including documentation preparation and follow-through.
• Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs to community partners (housing providers, DSS, workforce services, healthcare, counseling, legal aid, etc.), maintaining appropriate confidentiality and releases of information.

Family Support & Team Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Youth & Child Coordinator to coordinate services for clients with children, ensuring family needs are addressed holistically.
• Participate in client services meetings and contribute to coordinated case planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain professional boundaries while building rapport that supports survivor autonomy and self-determination.

Hotline & On-Call Coverage

• Participate in a rotating on-call phone schedule (nights/weekends) to ensure timely response for crisis needs and resident support. (includes stipend)
• Provide intake/support coverage consistent with agency protocols during assigned shifts.

Documentation, Data, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely client documentation, including service notes, referrals, outcomes, and required records.
• Enter required client/service data accurately in agency systems (e.g., VaData), consistent with reporting requirements.
• Follow all confidentiality, mandated reporting, and safety protocols; complete required trainings and continuing education.

Operational Coverage (As Needed)

To support continuity of residential services, the Residential Advocate may provide limited operational coverage during staffing gaps or planned coverage needs, including:

• Occasional room readiness tasks (light cleaning/resetting spaces between residents, linens setup, basic supply restock)
• Assisting residents with clothing/necessities access
• Occasional errands such as grocery shopping or picking up essential items
• Ability to lift/carry supplies up to 40 pounds as needed

Note: These duties are secondary and intended to support resident service continuity; this position is primarily an advocacy role.

Qualifications

Required

• Must live in the SAFE service area (Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Rappahannock, Fauquier counties in Virginia)
• Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience in a trauma-informed or crisis intervention environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, confidential environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing crisis and trauma using a survivor-centered approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and sustain professional boundaries.
• Ability to participate in rotating on-call coverage (nights/weekends).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, or related field
• Experience supporting benefits navigation, housing advocacy, and community-based resource coordination.
• Familiarity with domestic violence/sexual violence dynamics and trauma-informed care.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Background & Driving Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background screenings, including a Department of Social Services (DSS) Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry check and a State Police national criminal background check. Applicants must also maintain a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and provide proof of current automobile insurance.

EEOC Statement

SAFE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Pay: From $23.08 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23