Job Description

Job Location Louisville Campus - Louisville, KY 40203 Position Type Part Time Job Shift Any

The Advocate provides direct, client-centered support to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and related forms of trauma. This role focuses on crisis response, advocacy, case coordination, and supportive services across agency programs. Working under supervision, the Advocate assesses client needs, supports self-directed goal setting, and delivers services grounded in trauma-informed, empowerment-based, and harm-reduction principles.

This position requires flexibility, sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic and sometimes high-stress environments.

Qualifications

Direct Client Services

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, de-escalation, transportation coordination, referrals, and supportive services.
• Conduct client-centered sessions focused on identifying immediate needs, goals, and available resources.
• Assist with intakes, exits, agreements, and conflict resolution as applicable to program needs.
• Provide individual and or group psychoeducation related to trauma, power-based violence, and resilience.
• Support clients through navigation of legal, medical, housing, employment, and social service systems.
• Assist with client-facing operations such as walk-in support, phone response, emergency assistance, and program activities.
• Engage volunteers and community partners in support of client services and agency initiatives.

Documentation and Data

• Maintain timely, accurate written, verbal, and electronic documentation of client interactions and services provided.
• Enter case notes and service data into required databases and client files.
• Support program reporting requirements, including grant-related data collection and performance tracking.
• Collaborate with program staff to coordinate services and ensure continuity of care.

Crisis Intervention and Safety Support

• Respond to clients experiencing emotional distress or crisis with professionalism and composure.
• Conduct safety assessments and support individualized risk-reduction planning.
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to de-escalate conflict and promote client safety.
• Follow agency protocols related to crisis response, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.

Team and Agency Engagement

• Participate in supervision, peer collaboration, and required meetings.
• Attend required trainings and engage in ongoing professional development.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new staff, interns, or volunteers as assigned.
• Contribute to agency-wide initiatives and cross-program collaboration as needed.
• Coordinate with community partners including service providers, schools, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to support client outcomes.

Experience and Educational Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred. Relevant professional experience may be substituted for formal education.
• 
  
  Experience: Prior experience in advocacy, social services, crisis response, behavioral health, or a related field preferred.
• Licensure: Valid driver’s license required, with driving record meeting agency insurance standards.

Core Competencies and Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and the impacts of violence and adversity.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, grounded, and effective in high-stress situations.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated empathy paired with confidence in decision-making.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with community partners.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Frequent interaction with clients, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Regular exposure to confidential and sensitive information requiring strict adherence to ethical and professional standards.
• Combination of office-based work and program or community-based activities depending on assignment.
• Schedule may include evenings, weekends, or variable hours based on program needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods as required.
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs frequently and up to 100 lbs occasionally with assistance as needed.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient for documentation and use of standard office and communication tools.