Survivor Advocate

As a vital member of the One SAFE Place, the Survivor Advocate serves as the primary point of entry for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Survivor Advocate is a generalist role and provides the initial intake experience for all clients, delivering crisis intervention, peer counseling, assessment, information and referrals, and civil legal assistance in a trauma-informed, client-led manner.

This position operates within an integrated team, collaborating across internal programs and with community-based organizations to ensure a comprehensive, person-centered response to each survivor's needs.

Please note:

This position does not qualify as a mandated reporter under Penal Code section 11165.7(a).

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Support and Advocacy

• Serve as the initial point of contact for all incoming clients, conducting trauma-informed intake assessments and crisis intervention

• Provide peer counseling, emotional support, and information and referrals to survivors across service needs

• Develop and update individualized safety and support plans in collaboration with survivors.

• Assist survivors in emergency situations to obtain shelter, financial assistance, medical care, and other basic needs.

• Help survivors identify and access appropriate internal and external services, including onsite and offsite partners and community collaboratives.

• Respond to requests for on-site advocacy and accompaniment at law enforcement agencies, courts, and medical facilities.

• Provide Crisis Hotline coverage, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Ensure that survivors - including their dependents and support persons - are provided with a safe, client-centered environment in alingment with department philosophy and procedures.

• Help facilitate support groups or workshops for survivors, as assigned.

• Provide Crisis Hotline coverage, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Civil Legal Assistance

• Assist clients in understanding the protective order process and preparing and filing applications for temporary restraining orders and protective orders

• Provide clients with information and support to navigate civil legal processes independently where appropriate

• Consult with the Legal Advocate as a resource on complex protective order matters

• Coordinate referrals to the Legal Advocate for clients requiring court accompaniment or ongoing legal advocacy services.

Shelter Intake Backup

• Maintain training to conduct shelter intakes when shelter staff are unavailable.

• Conduct shelter intake assessments and orient new shelter residents in alignment with shelter procedures.

Documentation and General

• Maintain accurate files, progress notes, and data entry in alignment with agency and grant guidelines.

• Complete and submit all required client forms and documentation accurately and on time.

• Maintain confidentiality of client information, pursuant to Evidence Code Section 1037.

• Assist with front desk and walk-in coverage as needed.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and in-service training, as requested.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in supporting survivors of violence.

• Ability to conduct intake assessments, crisis intervention, and peer counseling with skill and consistency

• Working knowledge of the protective order process and ability to assist clients in preparing and filing applications

• Ability to navigate complex, high-stress situations and multiple service systems with sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer use, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other relevant software, with the ability to learn and navigate agency-specific documentation systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document client work clearly and accurately.

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work well across diverse disciplines and professional settings, and to maintain positive rapport with clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations and a commitment to equitable, trauma-informed service delivery, with respect for others' experiences, opinions, language, culture, and knowledge.

• Working knowledge of local community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals across multiple systems.

• Awareness of and sensitivity to the dynamics of physical, sexual, and emotional violence and the impact on survivors.

• Valid California driver's license, certificate of insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Education and Experience

• AA or BA in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field preferred; or a minimum of one year of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred but not required.

• Satisfactory completion of One SAFE…