Crisis Advocate

About Us

YWCA of Kauaʻi is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We serve individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and crisis through advocacy, shelter, prevention, and support services.

Position Summary

The Crisis Advocate (On-Call) provides critical, as-needed support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. This role includes both remote (phone-based) and in-person response, requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.

Advocates deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered services, including crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and accompaniment across various community settings.

To remain active on the on-call roster, employees must be available to work at least one on-call shift every 4–8 weeks.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls within one (1) hour, providing immediate emotional support and intervention
• Provide crisis counseling, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals
• Offer in-person response when needed, including:
• Hospitals and emergency departments
• Kauaʻi Police Department
• Children’s Justice Center
• YWCA offices and shelter
• Accompany survivors to:
• Medical exams
• Court hearings
• Forensic interviews
• Assist with safe transportation to shelter when appropriate
• Complete case notes and documentation within 24 hours
• Participate in trainings and staff meetings
• Comply with mandatory reporting requirements
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

General Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrate professionalism while representing YWCA Kauaʻi
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Manage multiple priorities using strong organizational skills
• Uphold all State of Hawaiʻi and federal regulations
• Contribute to a workplace grounded in equity, respect, and inclusion

Specific Qualifications

• Experience, education, and/or lived experience supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault
• Ability to provide empathetic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities
• Knowledge of racial and social justice issues preferred

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; GED or Associate’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field may substitute for experience
• Minimum one (1) year experience working with interpersonal relationships and/or domestic violence in families
• First Aid & CPR certification (or ability to obtain)

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and current insurance (required for client transport)
• Ability to travel across the island as needed
• Willingness to work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Compensation

• $17/hour during initial training period (first 3 months)
• $19/hour for months 4–6
• Transition to on-call compensation structure thereafter (per organizational policy)

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to make a direct, life-changing impact in your community while being part of a mission-driven organization committed to healing, justice, and empowerment.

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Domestic Violence: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lihue, HI 96766 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lihue, HI 96766: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lihue, HI 96766

Salary : $17