Client Advocate

Southern Valley Alliance (SVA) was founded in 1982 by a victim of domestic abuse. Today, we continue to be the only domestic violence agency serving Scott and Carver counties. Since its founding, the organization has assisted more than 22,000 women, men and children as they try to live healthy, violence‑free lives. The SVA mission and vision is to assist victims of domestic violence and end domestic violence in the local community.

Current programs include: 24‑hour crisis line; crisis intervention and advocacy; legal/court advocacy; support groups and community education. SVA staff members must have the passion to create a better life for those in need and a desire to contribute at both an individual and team level.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital parts of our service mission at Southern Valley Alliance. As we work to bring healing to survivors of domestic violence, we also recognize the need for healing from injustice and discrimination. We seek to be a place of healing and safety for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, physical ability, and religion.

The Client Advocate provides direct service to victims of domestic violence, manages SVA’s victim‑related programs, including the Crisis Line, support groups, and supervises Crisis Line Advocates.

This position description is intended to describe the general content and/or requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. Duties or change in the duties of this position can be made at any time.

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals, and ongoing support services to victim/survivors of domestic violence and their family members.
• Conduct safety planning, assess immediate needs, and assist victim/survivors in determining next steps to enhance safety following an incident.
• Assist victim/survivors with completing and filing Orders for Protection (OFPs) and Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs), both in person and over the phone.
• Maintain knowledge of current community resources and services. Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations and identify new collaborative opportunities to maximize available resources for clients.
• Assess victim/survivor safety and shelter needs and coordinate transportation to emergency shelter or short‑term hotel accommodations when appropriate.
• Utilize lethality assessments and provide enhanced advocacy services to high‑risk victim/survivors, including immediate outreach and intensive safety planning.
• Coordinate and process victim/survivor requests for financial assistance in accordance with SVA policies and procedures.
• Collabora—tion with Carver and Scott County Workforce Centers regarding domestic abuse waivers and safety planning upon request.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records and data entry for statistical, reporting, and grant‑related purposes.

• Provide direct advocacy services and respond to victim/survivors during regular business hours and as needed to ensure continuous coverage.
• Manage 24‑hour crisis line coverage through a combination of volunteers and paid crisis line advocates.
• Supervise crisis line volunteers and paid advocates.
• Manage crisis line software and vendor relationships to ensure seamless coverage during non‑business hours, including call forwarding and voicemail systems.
• Onboard and train weekend and overnight crisis line advocates.
• Provide ongoing communication to volunteer advocates regarding scheduling, policies, and program updates.
• Conduct at least two in‑person or virtual trainings annually for crisis line advocates.
• Review and update SVA client resources annually, including the Resource Manual, Safety Planning Brochure, and other client materials.

• Coordinate existing support groups and expand locations or offerings as…