Job Description
Job Location: Louisville Campus - Louisville, KY 40203
Position Type: Full Time
Job Shift: Third ShiftThe Emergency Services Advocate is responsible for delivering immediate crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, and comprehensive advocacy services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. This includes serving in a 24/7 emergency shelter, responding to hospital calls, supporting shelter residents with daily living needs, and contributing to Center-wide overnight crisis services. This role ensures emotional and physical safety while supporting client-centered goals and providing a compassionate, professional presence during third shift hours.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Direct Client Services
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, de-escalation, advocacy, information, referrals, and supportive services.
- Answer The Center’s 24/7 crisis line and respond to text, email, and walk-in inquiries.
- Provide safety planning, crisis intervention, information, referrals, and emotional support.
- Conduct hospital/clinic advocacy runs for adults and pediatrics, arriving within 30 minutes of call notification.
- Support shelter residents with intake, exit planning, conflict resolution, and psychoeducation.
- Conduct assessments and develop individualized transition plans.
- Provide individual or group education on power-based violence dynamics.
- Participate in shelter readiness, walk-in response, client desk, and child/pet enrichment activities.
- Assist with transportation for survivors.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Documentation
- Document prompt and timely interactions with clients and other relevant activities to examine program goals and outcomes and support continuous improvement.
- Document all interactions and service outcomes accurately and promptly in Vela or designated systems.
- Complete required assessments and transition plans.
- Maintain daily written, verbal, and electronic communication.
- Support grant performance tracking and reporting as required.
Hospital Advocacy Protocol
- Provide immediate in-person support to adult or pediatric survivors in hospital or clinical settings by following established advocacy protocols.
- Travel to the requesting facility within 30 minutes during appointed shifts.
- Carry a complete Hospital Support Packet and clock in/out per Paycom procedures
- Return to The Center post-run to restock materials and complete all documentation
- Submit mileage reports for eligible travel
Shelter & Call Center Coordination
- Coordinate with shelter and emergency services teams to ensure continuity of care and comprehensive support.
- Collaborate with shelter and emergency services team to coordinate coverage and services.
- Assist with conflict resolution among clients and peers.
- Provide orientations for new hires, SAFE nurses, interns, and volunteers
Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and ongoing support to clients in distress.
- Conduct safety assessments and implement individualized risk mitigation strategies.
- Utilize trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate conflicts and ensure client safety.
- Assist clients in navigating legal, medical, and social service systems.
Team & Center-wide Engagement
- Engage in bi-weekly supervision, coaching and performance meetings.
- Participate in peer-to-peer shadowing with supervisors and cross-functional collaboration.
- Participate in staff development, in-services and continuing education.
- Contribute to team and agency meetings as required.
- Provide care grounded in the Harm Reduction Model.
Compliance & Communication
- Uphold professional standards and ensure alignment with organizational policies and regulations.
- Maintain timely, respectful communication with clients, coworkers, medical staff, and law enforcement
- Adhere to all Center policies, procedures, and relevant federal/state regulations
- Report incidents or concerns to the Supervisor-On-Call or Emergency Services Leadership immediately
QualificationsExperience and Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; OR minimum of 3 years of experience in crisis intervention, shelter services, or a related human services field may substitute for degree.
Skills & Competencies
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and shelter-based crisis response.
- Strong interpersonal, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
- Critical thinking, organization, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Understanding of power-based violence and its impacts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case documentation tools.
Other Requirements
- Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets CWF automobile insurance requirements, if operating a company vehicle.
- Must have a successful background check.
- Availability includes weekends and holidays.
- Fluency in other languages is a plus.
Environment & Physical Demands
- Frequent interaction with clients and community stakeholders.
- Position may require field-based activities including mobile advocacy and client accompaniment.
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and mobility throughout the facility.
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs and up to 70 lbs with assistance.
- Ability to work in high-stress environments, requiring emotional resilience and adherence to self-care practices.