Transitional Advocate

VOCA Transitional Living Advocate (Full-Time)

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

📍 Naples, FL

🕒 Full-Time | Non-Exempt | On-Site

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Reports to:

Naples Outreach Manager

The Transitional Living Advocate provides empowerment-based advocacy and case management services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related trauma. This role supports participants through crisis intervention, safety planning, individual counseling, group facilitation, and housing stabilization while ensuring compliance with grant funding and Shelter policies. This is a fully in-person position with no remote work option.

This position plays a critical role in helping survivors move from crisis to stability. The Advocate works closely with participants to build safety, autonomy, and long-term independence by connecting them to housing, legal protections, financial resources, and community support systems.

• Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, safety planning, and individual advocacy
• Assist clients with protective orders, injunctions, and criminal justice navigation
• Accompany clients to court, medical appointments, and other essential services
• Advocate with employers, landlords, creditors, and service providers
• Respond to crisis hotline calls related to outreach and transitional living services

• Interview and assess Transitional Living candidates for eligibility
• Assist participants in securing and transitioning into permanent housing
• Conduct housing checks and monitor resident progress
• Prepare residents for successful program exit and long-term stability

• Facilitate support groups and empowerment-based group activities
• Assess lethality risk and individual service needs

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records
• Track required data and statistics in accordance with VOCA and funding guidelines
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, ethical, and safety standards

• Participate in required trainings and ongoing professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred
• One (1) year of experience providing direct services or advocacy to trauma survivors preferred

• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to pass state and federal background checks, reference checks, and drug screening
• First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Completion of Shelter Core Competency Training upon hire

• Trauma-informed crisis intervention and advocacy
• Accurate documentation and case management
• Strong communication, empathy, and active listening
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Emotional resilience in high-stress environments
• Technology proficiency (case management systems, Microsoft Office)
• Time management and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities

Bilingual (Spanish or Creole) preferred

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Reasonable accommodations available in accordance with the ADA

Exceptional Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• 36-hour work week
• 200 hours of paid time off (vacation, sick, birthday)
• 11 paid holidays annually
• 100% employer-paid medical and mental health coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical & dependent care)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program and fitness incentives
• Supportive, mission-driven workplace culture

We value integrity, initiative, and innovation. We believe in human connection, kindness, accountability, and continuous learning. We seek team members who are compassionate, detail-oriented, collaborative, and deeply aligned with our mission to support survivors.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and job-related qualifications without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.