Advocate

POSITION TITLE

Advocate

Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted

Intimate Partner Violence

Director and/or Designee

Since its founding as a teen drop‑in center in 1972, Community Solutions (CS) has grown in both depth and breadth of services in response to the growing and changing needs in the community. As one of the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agencies in Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas, CS provides prevention, intervention, treatment, and residential services to more than 6,400 clients annually, helping them overcome the challenges posed by mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, severe family dysfunction, sexual and domestic violence, and human trafficking.

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager and/or designee, the Advocate in the Solutions to Violence Division plays a crucial role in delivering culturally responsive advocacy, case management to survivors of gender‑based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and providing educational prevention programs to the community. The Advocate responds to in‑person crisis calls within the community, offering crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referral support.

The Advocate proactively engages potential clients, increases awareness about gender‑based violence, and fosters collaborative relationships with community partners to support best client care. Services are provided throughout Santa Clara County and San Benito County.

• Required: High‑School diploma or GED and two (2) years’ experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or human trafficking, providing prevention services or related field.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or four (4) years direct‑service experience in a related field or past lived experience with the ability to provide services as a survivor of personal trauma.
• Preferred: One year or more experience in a professional office environment.
• Preferred: The individual will preferably be bilingual and bicultural.

• Empowerment, advocacy, and support techniques for victims/survivors of violence, people with mental illness or substance abuse issues required.
• Must possess an understanding of intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and issues of violence against women.

• Comfort and ability to present in front of large groups and engage with community members of all ages and backgrounds.
• Outgoing and personable – directly engage with others.
• Passionate about stopping violence, creating leaders, and making impactful changes.

• Working knowledge of wellness and recovery concepts.
• Working knowledge of community resources in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of case management, peer counseling, community resources, and referrals.

• Must be able to receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices.
• Position requires an automobile to perform daily routine job duties.
• Completion of 75‑hours Intimate Partner Abuse/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking (IPA/SA/HT) training upon hire or within 6 months of employment.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license, current car insurance and a good driving record as documented by a DMV report and consistent with the Agency’s liability insurance requirements.

• Advocate (direct services) serves as the primary contact for assigned clients and works directly with the IPA/SA/HT team to implement, monitor and support safety, well‑being and autonomy of victims/survivors of abuse.
• Conducts screening, intake and assessments as required. Assesses clients’ needs and goals to determine appropriate resources, including referral to professional services without delay.
• Provides crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, case‑management, and referral services for assigned individuals and families.
• Coordinates services with other advocacy programs, the legal system, other community‑based…