Victim Advocate

Job Purpose

Provides domestic violence advocacy through case management support reflective of The Wellspring Alliance for Families mission to strengthen the well‑being and development of families and individuals. Develops increased community awareness of domestic violence and the services available.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• Knowledge of community resources
• Previous experience working with the public

• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to develop and access community resources
• Must demonstrate mature and objective, non‑judgmental behaviors
• Ability to assess situations both within and outside the client system and determine priorities
• Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to record with clarity and promptness and computer skills
• Good listening skills and the ability to ask appropriate questions
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships and to communicate and work with other staff, clients, volunteers and other professionals from various cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds
• Ability to work within the purpose, structure and constraints of the agency
• Ability to maintain poise and control and to be effective even under extreme stress and unexpected crises
• Ability to prioritize and budget time and duties efficiently
• Ability to manage position with minimal supervision
• Ability to assume responsibility for own learning
• Ability to promote teamwork among co‑workers and project participants

• Service: I act with a servant’s heart to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others.
• Teamwork: I willingly help my teammates.
• Respect: I recognize the dignity, worth and importance of others.
• Open‑hearted: I am kind, caring and compassionate.
• Integrity: I am honest and ethical in all that I do.
• Growth: I embrace challenges and change with a positive attitude.

• Orientation
• Ongoing staff in‑service in related fields
• Monthly Agency Staff meetings, program delivery meetings and program area meetings
• Initial and ongoing training in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault as required by the LA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) and the LA Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA)

• Determine the nature of client’s situation by assessing participant’s needs and determining the nature of the situation through interview process.
• Conduct life skills classes and support groups for program participants.
• Plan and implement age‑appropriate activities and groups that are empowering to children of domestic violence and that focus on self‑esteem, safety planning, emotional expression, etc.
• Provide community outreach in various rural communities.
• Develop and sustain community partnerships through education of programs and services.
• Prepare an individualized comprehensive service plan for program participant/family, negotiated and agreed upon by the client and program staff, identifying services and assistance necessary to achieve the participant’s stated goals.
• Assess lethality of individual client situation and develop and review safety plan with clients and their children.
• Raise public awareness about domestic violence and victim services within the community by contacting members of the community (law enforcement, healthcare professionals, victim advocates, clergy, schools, child and family services, and other entities).
• Disseminate domestic violence pamphlets, youth dating pamphlets, and domestic violence posters.
• Provide domestic violence presentations to civic organizations, schools, churches, law enforcement, healthcare personnel and other entities.
• Obtain assistance for clients by accessing and mobilizing resources to meet their needs (e.g., advocating with Social Security office, Office of Community Support, Food Stamp Office, housing, employment and job training).
• Establish rapport with other agencies and foster client action/adjustment by interpreting attitudes and patterns of behavior, reviewing and highlighting new options, and demonstrating empathetic listening.
• Maintain records of case by documenting client’s situation, actions,…