Crisis Response Advocate - Hospital Runs

Job Details

Job Location
:
Louisville Campus - Louisville, KY 40203

Position Type
:
Full Time

Education Level
:
Bachelor's degree or Experience

The Crisis Response Advocate, Hospital-Based provides immediate, trauma-informed crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in hospital and medical settings. This role focuses on in-person response to adult and pediatric hospital calls, offering emotional support, safety planning, information, and advocacy during forensic exams, medical treatment, and initial decision-making.

The Advocate works collaboratively with medical staff, law enforcement when applicable, and internal crisis response teams while maintaining a survivor-centered, confidential, and nonjudgmental approach.

• Respond in person to adult and pediatric hospital calls to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
• Provide immediate emotional support, grounding techniques, and trauma-informed presence during medical exams and treatment.
• Explain options related to reporting, forensic exams, protective orders, and available services without pressure or coercion.
• Support survivors through Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams when applicable, ensuring informed consent and survivor autonomy.
• Assist survivors in identifying immediate safety concerns and developing short-term safety plans.
• Serve as a liaison between survivors and medical personnel to help clarify needs, requests, and next steps.

• Provide information and referrals related to shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, transportation, and follow-up services.
• Coordinate with internal programs and community partners to ensure continuity of care after hospital discharge.
• Support survivors in navigating complex systems while reinforcing choice, dignity, and self-determination.

• Complete accurate, timely documentation of hospital responses and client interactions in required databases.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policy, HIPAA considerations, and funding requirements.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements and crisis response protocols as applicable.

• Communicate effectively with on-call staff, supervisors, and crisis response teams regarding hospital activity and follow-up needs.
• Participate in supervision, required meetings, and ongoing training.
• Maintain readiness for on-call response, including adherence to response time expectations.
• Engage in debriefing and self-care practices following high-impact cases.

• Strong trauma-informed crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to provide calm, steady support in medical and high-stress environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with individuals experiencing acute trauma.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while remaining connected to a team-based response model.
• Basic computer and technology proficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Prior experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or trauma strongly preferred.
• Experience in hospital, medical, crisis response, or emergency settings is highly desirable.
• Fluency in languages other than English is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet agency insurance requirements if operating a company vehicle.
• Ability to work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by on-call schedules.
• Successful completion of background check and required crisis response training.

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout hospital environments for extended periods.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally regulated, and responsive during crisis situations.
• Occasional lifting or transporting of materials as needed.
• Capacity to work in high-stress environments while maintaining professionalism and self-care practices.