Advocate - Full Time Kona

Join the YWCA of Hawaii Island Team as an Advocate!

At the YWCA of Hawaii Island, we are committed to our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity FOR ALL. We are looking for a detail-oriented and experienced Advocate to join our dedicated team.

Position Overview

The advocate is responsible for answering calls from our 24-hour crisis hot line, answering text and chat lines, providing information referrals and crisis intervention to callers and text/chat victims, protecting client confidentiality, providing program services face to face with client, police, and examiner in forensic and investigation procedures after sexual assault or crime served by the Children’s Justice Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Arrive at designated locations in a timely manner, according to program procedures.
• Protect client confidentiality, observing the client’s right to the Victim/Counselor privilege defined in Hawaii Rules of Evidence.
• Understand, interpret, and follow state and federal laws regarding mandatory reporting of abuse of children and dependent adults.
• Participate in crisis team coordination, and clinical supervision with the Program Director, Therapist, Crisis Coordinator, and other Advocates.
• Complete and submit service documentation within 24 hours of providing service, using the program tools and procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement and program monitoring.
• Attends mandatory staff meetings and assigned job specific trainings suitable for position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in human service field such as psychology, social work, nursing, or related area is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience; High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience working with children and adults in a helping relationship (six months or longer). Crisis work experience or sexual assault specific experience preferred.
• Access to a dependable personal single-line reliable telephone and/or cell phone continuously during assigned on call hours. Conditions in the phone locations must allow for client privacy during phone contact.
• Ability to respond during assigned on call hours and arrive at the appropriate location within 45 minutes or less after receiving a dispatch call.
• Able to attend a minimum of 35 hours initial intensive program specific training to be scheduled on weekdays and/or weekends.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks.
• Must pass background and drug screening.

Why Join Us?

Working at the YWCA of Hawaii Island means becoming part of a supportive, mission-driven team that believes in equity, community, and empowerment. We offer:

• A family-friendly workplace
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Hawaii Island’s keiki and families
• Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are ready to make a difference and bring your expertise to our team, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to join an organization that values diversity, collaboration, and community impact.

Let’s work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world. Apply today!