Community Advocate, Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Are you an experienced advocate or human services professional who is passionate about supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence?

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is looking for a compassionate, experienced professional to join our Gender-Based Violence Services team. In this role, you will work directly with survivors as they navigate complex systems, identify their goals, strengthen their safety and stability, and connect with housing, legal, healthcare, and community resources.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands that effective advocacy is not about making decisions for survivors. It is about listening, building trust, providing options, and supporting each person in determining what safety and stability look like for them.

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• A degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, counseling, or a related field; or
• At least one year of direct social service, advocacy, case management, or other relevant human services experience; or
• Relevant transferable lived experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position.

• Experience navigating multiple systems and helping individuals access services and resources. This may include municipal or superior courts, legal systems, law enforcement, housing, healthcare, public benefits, or other community-based systems.
• Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence from marginalized communities, with particular experience serving African American communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed, strengths-based, and survivor-centered support that promotes survivor choice, safety, stability, and self-determination.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Sound judgment and the ability to respond effectively to sensitive, complex, and potentially crisis-related situations.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Cultural humility and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Calendar, Teams, and Excel, as well as virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently between multiple work locations and community sites throughout the workday.
• Willingness and ability to complete a minimum of 20 hours of initial training covering advocacy-based counseling, the history and dynamics of domestic violence, safety planning, and crisis intervention.

The physical and work environment requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In performing this position, the employee:

• Continuously communicates and exchanges information with clients, coworkers, community partners, service providers, and other individuals in person, by phone, and through virtual communication platforms.
• Frequently sits, stands, and walks while performing duties in YWCA locations and throughout the community.
• Continuously uses a computer, telephone, and other standard office technology and equipment.
• Occasionally accesses clients' personal living spaces, including residences within multi-level apartment buildings or other community-based settings.
• Frequently travels throughout South King County and surrounding areas to meet with clients, attend meetings, access community resources, and collaborate with partner organizations. Travel may represent up to 50% of the position's work time and requires the ability to travel independently between locations throughout the workday.

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish provides services to individuals and families who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma, including domestic violence, sexual violence, commercial sexual exploitation, homelessness, financial hardship, and other significant life challenges.

Because this position works directly with survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of trauma, employees may be exposed to sensitive or distressing information and may experience secondary or vicarious trauma. YWCA recognizes the impact this work can have on staff and encourages employees to utilize available supports, establish healthy professional boundaries, and engage in practices that support their well-being.

Continuously = more than 80% of the time | Frequently = 20–80% of the time | Occasionally = less than 20% of the time