Community Advocate

Job Title: Community Advocate

Reports to: Education & Prevention Manager

Department: Community Programs

Job Classification: Advocate

FLSA Status: Regular Full-Time, Exempt

Wage: $25.00 - $28.58 per hour

Benefits Included: Group Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, HRA, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, 401k

Organizational Overview

Established in Tacoma in 1906, YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunities and ensuring safety for adults and children in the greater Tacoma community. As a pioneer in the domestic violence service field, YWCA Pierce County opened Washington State’s first emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors in 1976. This milestone established YWCA Pierce County as a leader in providing comprehensive support services for domestic violence survivors.

As an inclusive non-profit organization, YWCA Pierce County offers crucial assistance to domestic violence survivors and their children. Our services are accessible to all survivors, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. To overcome language barriers, our bilingual staff and interpretation services ensure smooth transitions for all clients. Annually, YWCA Pierce County supports over 5,000 adults and children affected by domestic violence, providing them with essential resources and support.

YWCA Pierce County is committed to transforming lives through safety, healing, and empowerment. Our comprehensive domestic violence support services include emergency shelter, legal assistance, support groups, and community education programs. Join us in our mission to end domestic violence and empower survivors in the Tacoma community.

Job Summary

The Community Advocate provides direct advocacy, crisis intervention, and resource support to survivors seeking services through walk-ins, scheduled appointments, or the agency hotline. This position also assists support groups and education and prevention activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Survivor Advocacy:

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals.
• Assess clients’ immediate needs and connect them to resources.
• Assist survivors in identifying strengths and accessing community resources.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case documentation.
• Distribute emergency goods and support collaboration with partner agencies.
• Assists the receptionist with front desk coverage as needed

Hotline Coverage:

• Answer hotline calls and provide crisis support and safety planning.
• Follow agency procedures for crisis response and documentation.

Support Group Assistance:

• Facilitate in-person or virtual support groups.
• Maintain attendance, materials, and documentation.
• Ensure emotional safety and appropriate boundaries.

Education & Prevention Activities:

• Assist with outreach, presentations, and community events.
• Support educational programming logistics and preparation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may provide task-level instruction to volunteers and interns.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Commitment to the YWCA vision, mission, and values
• Proactively gather and compile current knowledge of local community resources
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under deadlines
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedures manuals, and course curriculum
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence without the use of AI
• Ability to listen effectively and truly understand what clients/community partners are saying
• Ability and willingness to speak effectively to groups of clients and community partners
• Ability to compute percentages, compile statistics, and track demographic information
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and schedule formats
• Ability to apply broad concepts appropriately and consistently to varied situations

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree in Human Services, Human Development, Education, Social Work, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum of two years' experience providing direct support or advocacy within social services, including working with youth, survivors, or other vulnerable populations
• Minimum of one year experience in public speaking, presentations, group facilitation, or teaching

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Acceptable criminal history record.
• Completion of required new employee training and onboarding within the first 90 days of employment.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred.
• Must have ability to transport self within Pierce County. If that includes driving your own vehicle, then you must possess current and valid driver's license and insurance.
• Preference given to candidates that have bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment varies from residential unit to unit. Office environment typical of a shared office space in noise level and accommodations.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for pregnant people and individuals with disabilities, including in the application process. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please send an email with the subject line “Reasonable Accommodation Request” to bbaker@ywcapiercecounty.org

Commitment to Inclusive Hiring

Research indicates that members of marginalized communities tend to underestimate their qualifications and apply only when they meet all the criteria in a job posting. If you are excited about this opportunity but are unsure if your past experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to review your application and consider how your talents and experience can add value to this role.

YWCA of Pierce County is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion or belief, gender, pregnancy, national origin, height and weight, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, physical characteristics such as height and weight, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. YWCA of Pierce County recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Medical, Dental, Vision

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

Health reimbursement arrangement

401K non-contributing

Retirement plan (vested after two years)

PTO, 160 hours in year 1-3

60 hours sick leave annually

11 paid holidays annually

Must read, write, and speak English fluently. Other language skills are a plus.