Direct Service Advocate - Wellness & Education

Career Opportunities with Abused Women's Aid in Crisis

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Department: Programs
Classification: Non-exempt
Reports to: Shelter Manager or Designee
Status: Full-time, Part-Time, On-Call
Location: Anchorage

Position Summary:

The Direct Service Advocate (DSA) provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related abuse. The DSA supports safe shelter operations and assists participants with crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, resource navigation, and stabilization.

Responsibilities include crisis line support, participant intake and engagement, documentation, group facilitation, facility support, and coordination with internal teams and community providers. This position requires compassion, sound judgment, adaptability, emotional resilience, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Essential Functions

• Adheres to all agency policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and mandatory reporting requirements
• Follows agency policies, confidentiality standards, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered services using cultural humility, ethical communication, and professional boundaries.
• Responds to crisis line calls with support, de-escalation, safety planning, information, and referrals.
• Completes participant screening, intake, orientation, and discharge processes.
• Helps participants develop safety plans, goals, and stabilization strategies that promote autonomy and empowerment.
• Provides advocacy, resource navigation, referrals, and systems support.
• Maintains accurate and timely case notes, incident reports, data entry, and required program documentation.
• Facilitates support groups, educational activities, and participant engagement opportunities.
• Coordinates services with internal teams and community partners to support continuity of care.
• Monitors participant and facility safety and responds to crises, conflicts, behavioral concerns, and emergencies.
• Provides trained emergency interventions, including first aid, CPR, AED, and Naloxone/Narcan, when appropriate.
• Conducts facility walkthroughs and helps maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment.
• Supports communal living expectations, conflict resolution, and participant problem-solving.
• Assists with basic needs, including meals, hygiene items, supplies, donations, shelter resources, and transportation.
• Provides administrative and operational support, including phones, filing, inventory, cleaning, and supply organization.
• Participates in meetings, training, case coordination, and agency initiatives.
• Supports the onboarding, mentoring, and training of new staff as assigned.
• Transports participants in agency vehicles for approved appointments, services, and shelter-related needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Program Focus Areas

Adult Services Focus:

• Supports participants in working toward individualized goals, case plans, stabilization, and transition planning.
• Facilitates psycho-educational and support groups for adult survivors.
• Coordinates participant services with internal teams and external providers.

Children’s Resiliency Focus:

• Provides trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate support to children and youth.
• Facilitates children’s groups, resiliency activities, and parent-child engagement.
• Helps caregivers strengthen…