Careers

General Responsibilities

As a member of the staff team, the Family Advocate provides services to victims of abuse and their children, including parenting assistance, safety planning, legal, medical, social service advocacy, crisis intervention, resource referral and housing assistance. Other responsibilities include assisting with daily activities at shelter, providing childcare as appropriate, and coverage on the agency hotline.

Family Advocate Responsibilities

• Provide parenting and family support to domestic violence victims at our domestic violence shelter
• Provide direct services to clients, including crisis intervention, advocacy-based counseling, legal and medical advocacy, information and referrals, safety planning, and other supportive services
• Facilitate parenting workshops
• Provide advocacy to children and youth
• Provide individual and group activities for children
• Assist with care and maintenance of shelter facility
• Provide child care to resident’s children as appropriate
• Assist with all DV and SA activities as requested
• Attend staff meetings to provide input regarding client service provision
• Represent agency through participation in community groups as directed by supervisor
• Provide client transportation as requested by supervisor
• Assist with researching and obtaining community resources
• Work with public and private systems to advocate for the best interest of survivors
• Provide coverage of the 24-hour hotline as specified by the staff rotation schedule and respond, when needed, to the shelter, hospitals, court, or Children’s Advocacy Center anytime during those shifts
• Diligently fill out paperwork on all client and agency services provided and compile reports as requested by supervisors
• Attend all required staff meetings
• Complete 12 hours of SA and 30 hours of DV training each year and submit training records
• Provide presentations on agency services and on issues of DV or SA to community groups
• Assist with and participate in agency events including outreach and educational activities
• Participate in the training/supervision of agency volunteers

Qualifications

• BA in social services/related field or 2 years’ experience
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds on a regular basis and fulfill general housekeeping duties
• Successful completion of 42 hours of accredited DV/SA training upon hire
• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Must have a dependable vehicle, valid WA state driver’s license, and proof of insurance
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, and must be computer competent
• Must be willing to follow directions, work independently, and as a team member
• Ability to handle the stress of crisis work and respond to many demands simultaneously
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Sensitivity and knowledge of the issues regarding domestic violence and sexual assault
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse economic, cultural, and social backgrounds
• Must believe in an anti-oppression model and be committed to ending violence against women and all forms of violence
• Ability to represent the agency to the public in a positive and professional manner at all times
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with community organizations
• Must be willing/able to take on-call shifts for the 24-hour hotline as part of the staff rotation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading support groups
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Knowledge of public and private resources in Skagit County

Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Skagit DVSAS offers competitive salaries and a benefit package including medical & dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan.

Skagit DVSAS provides equal employment opportunities and services to whoever seeks them regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, or other identifier.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to HeidiR@SkagitDVSAS.org.