Direct Service Advocate , Day Shift

AWAIC’s mission is to provide domestic violence safe shelter, intervention, and prevention. Our core values are advocacy, compassion, dignity, and collaboration.

AWAIC is seeking caring, committed individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families. AWAIC takes pride in creating a welcoming and supportive workplace celebrating the individuality of our employees and participants.

Our compensation program leads that of many other nonprofits in this area. Our generous employee benefits include:

• Generous paid time off, including four weeks of vacation accrued in the first year of employment.
• Medical and Dental coverage with a portion of the premium paid by AWAIC as well as Dependent coverage.
• Vision Insurance and Life Insurance premiums paid fully by AWAIC.
• Optional Aflac and Retirement Fund.
• After one year of employment, a retirement fund that matches a 5% employee contribution.

Department:
Programs
Classification:
Non-exempt

Reports to:

Shelter Supervisor
Status:
Full-Time

Location:

Anchorage
Compensation:
Starts at $25/hr

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 forms of abuse. This position supports safe and responsive shelter operations while assisting participants with crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, resource navigation, and stabilization services.

The DSA helps maintain a safe and supportive communal living environment and responds to participant needs with professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment. Responsibilities include participant engagement, crisis line support, intake and screening, documentation, facility support, group facilitation, and collaboration with internal and external service providers.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations while maintaining participant confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Minimum Qualifications

• A relevant associate’s degree from an accredited institution OR two (2) years of experience working in social services and/or with at-risk individuals; a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field including human services, social work, psychology, or other related degrees are preferred. Additional experience can be used in lieu of education on a year for year basis.
• Computer proficiency and ability to utilize agency systems and databases
• Valid State of Alaska driver’s license OR be able to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and mandatory reporting requirements
• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered services utilizing cultural humility, ethical communication, and professional boundaries
• Answer and respond to crisis line calls providing support, safety planning, de-escalation, information, and referrals
• Assist with participant screening, intake, orientation, and discharge processes
• Support participants in developing individualized safety plans, goals, and stabilization strategies
• Build respectful and supportive relationships with participants while promoting autonomy and empowerment
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete participant documentation in accordance with agency policies, funding requirements, and applicable regulations
• Complete data entry, case notes, incident documentation, and statistical reporting within required time frames
• Facilitate groups, educational activities, and supportive participant engagement opportunities
• Provide advocacy, resource navigation, systems support, and referrals to community resources
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate participant services and support continuity of care
• Monitor participant and facility safety and respond appropriately to crises, emergencies, conflicts, and behavioral concerns
• Respond to medical and safety emergencies,…