Counselor Advocate

Position Overview

The Counselor Advocate provides trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, elder abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence, including women who are justice-involved and system-impacted. This position provides information and referrals, safety planning, advocacy, accompaniment, and resource navigation while participating in the operation of the 24-hour crisis hotline, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) advocacy, and community outreach.

The Counselor Advocate works collaboratively with internal staff and community partners to promote survivor safety, healing, stability, and empowerment while advancing the mission of YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals, accompaniment, and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, elder abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence, including women who are justice-involved and system-impacted.
• Conduct participant intakes, assess immediate needs, develop individualized service plans, and coordinate ongoing case management services in collaboration with clinical staff, as appropriate.
• Educate participants on victims' rights, reporting options, the criminal and civil justice systems, campus adjudication processes, victim compensation, restraining orders, and other legal protections and available resources.
• Coordinate referrals and link participants to community resources, including medical and behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, public benefits, housing, employment, education, transportation, legal services, and other supportive services.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned participants to monitor progress, support goal achievement, provide life skills development, and address barriers to self-sufficiency and safety.
• Participate in the operation of the 24-hour crisis hotline and provide Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) advocacy, hospital accompaniment, court accompaniment, and other systems advocacy as assigned.
• Evaluate participant progress, assist with program evaluation, collect outcome data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to support continuous program improvement.
• Conduct community outreach, assist with participant recruitment, represent YWCA GLA at community meetings and events, and support the development of educational and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with program staff, therapists, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate participant services and ensure continuity of care.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities, provide coverage during staff absences as needed, and devote approximately 80% of work time to direct service activities in accordance with program work plans.
• Maintain participant privacy and confidentiality, report relevant program information to the Program Manager and Director, and perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field preferred
• One (1) year of paid, volunteer, internship, or lived experience working with survivors, vulnerable populations, or in human services preferred.
• California Certification for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocate training. Current certification required or must be obtained as a condition of continued employment.
• Ability to work with individuals who have experienced sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and/or gender-based violence.
• Ability to handle difficult decisions and use good judgment within crisis and advocacy situations.
• Able to effectively use independent judgment and make professional decisions and recommendations in situations that require highly individualized planning in effectively advocating for the victim/survivor
• Advanced experience in speaking in front of diverse audiences and the ability to adapt materials quickly so that the audience can understand the concepts being presented.
  
  I. Exercises mature professional judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of advocacy skills.
• Advanced skills in assessing levels of emotional distress and reacting appropriately.
• Extensive knowledge of resources in Los Angeles County and the skills to navigate and access those resources.
• Strong ability…