DV Community Lead Advocate

Join Our Mission to Support and Empower Survivors

DAWN is dedicated to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy to individuals affected by domestic violence. We are seeking an experienced Community Lead Advocate to play a critical role in directly supporting survivors while serving as a leader within our advocacy team.

This position is highly focused on advocacy with minimal administrative duties. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of direct domestic violence advocacy experience and proven leadership skills to support survivors in navigating complex systems and overcoming barriers.

The Community Lead Advocate (CLA) plays a key role in ensuring survivors receive high-quality advocacy services while providing guidance and support to community advocates.

Schedule: 4/10s. 8am to 6pm

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking passionate individuals who:

• Are committed to ending domestic violence, gender, racial, and economic inequality, and advancing social justice.
• Deeply believe that survivors know what is best for themselves and can suspend personal opinions to support survivor choices.
• Value diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.
• Are eager to learn, grow, and be challenged both personally and professionally.
• Exhibit professionalism in their interactions with survivors, colleagues, community members, and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively within a team of dedicated, passionate advocates.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for escalated client needs and provide guidance to community advocates.
• Assist the Community Advocacy Supervisor with hiring, training, and mentoring new staff.
• Help manage the crisis line calendar, ensuring coverage alongside the Director of Programs.
• Process financial assistance requests for community advocates.
• Support quality control for data entry and assist in pulling reports.

Survivor Advocacy & Direct Support

• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and empowerment-based advocacy for individuals and families.
• Assist survivors in navigating barriers related to emergency shelter, housing, legal issues, immigration, financial resources, and mental health services.
• Facilitate community support groups (both in-person and virtual).
• Conduct outreach and education, which may include training, community meetings, and public awareness events.
• Develop strong relationships with service providers and act as a liaison for survivors.
• Answer DAWN’s 24-hour advocacy and support line during scheduled shifts.
• Support team members by providing consultation, training, and co-advocacy when needed.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Represent DAWN at community meetings and events as needed.
• Distribute materials to ensure community awareness of DAWN’s services.

Required Qualifications

• Leadership Experience (Required) – Experience guiding, mentoring, or supporting an advocacy team.
• Domestic Violence Advocacy (Minimum 2-3 Years Required) – Direct experience working with survivors in crisis intervention, advocacy, or related roles.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse communities and navigate institutional barriers.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to interact across cultures and with those who have limited English proficiency.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in crisis situations.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid Washington State driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and a clean driving record (or alternative reliable means of transportation for work-related travel).
• Must be able to pass a Washington State criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Experience with Osnium or other advocacy-related databases.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and twist intermittently.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods.

Why Join DAWN?

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental Plans – Comprehensive coverage at no cost to you.
• Quarterly Self-Care Days – Because your well-being matters.
• Paid Lunch Breaks – Recharge and take care of yourself.
• Opportunities for Professional Growth & Training.
• Work in a Diverse & Inclusive Environment.
• Make a Meaningful Impact on the lives of survivors.

*To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be a strong fit for this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered*

About DAWN: DAWN is a holistic domestic violence agency located in South King County supporting survivors of domestic violence, the community, and other social services agencies towards the goal of ending domestic violence. Through our wide variety of programming, we strive to serve survivors wherever they are in their relationships, meeting their needs as they prioritize them, and working with them physically wherever they deem safe, within the South King County region. Our programs include a 24-hour advocacy support hotline, confidential emergency shelter, mobile/community advocacy, support groups, legal advocacy, immigrant advocacy, children’s advocacy, mental health services, TANF advocacy, prevention and education services, and the marketplace food program. While working with us, survivors and their families are offered advocacy, resources, and a safe place to begin again.  

Salary : $27 - $29