Swing Shift DV Shelter Advocate

Join Our Team: Swing Shift Shelter Advocate

Position: Full-Time Shelter Advocate
Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: South King County

Are you passionate about supporting survivors of domestic violence? Do you thrive in a compassionate, trauma-informed environment where advocacy and social justice intersect? DAWN is looking for a dedicated Shelter Advocate to provide direct support to survivors and their children in our confidential emergency shelter.

As a Shelter Advocate, you will be a critical part of a team dedicated to empowering survivors and ensuring their safety, stability, and well-being. Your role includes crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and connecting survivors with vital community resources. This position requires a strong ability to remain calm in high-stress situations, effectively communicate with individuals in crisis, and work collaboratively with both survivors and a dedicated team of professionals.

• Provide trauma-informed, empowerment-based advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
• Assist survivors with safety planning and goal-setting to build family stability.
• Offer crisis intervention and emotional support, using active listening and de-escalation techniques.
• Accompany survivors to court proceedings, medical appointments, and meetings with service providers.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to connect survivors with appropriate resources, including housing, legal aid, and mental health services.
• Educate survivors on their rights and available community resources, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with DAWN policies and legal mandates.
• Respond to calls on our 24-hour Advocacy and Support Hotline with empathy and professionalism, providing immediate crisis intervention and referrals.

• Ensure a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for residents.
• Assist in preparing rooms for incoming families and maintaining a pet-friendly shelter.
• Support families in adjusting to communal living and adhering to shelter guidelines while respecting their autonomy.
• Collaborate with the Shelter Manager and Operations Lead on maintenance issues, reporting and resolving any concerns promptly.
• Participate in shelter team meetings to discuss client progress, challenges, and program improvements.
• Work closely with other advocates to coordinate services and ensure seamless support for clients.

• Act as a liaison between clients and external service providers to facilitate access to resources.
• Advocate on behalf of survivors with landlords, employers, healthcare providers, and other service organizations.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local community organizations to enhance service offerings for survivors.
• Provide presentations and outreach about domestic violence and DAWN services to community partners as needed.
• Assist with donor/partner pickups, ensuring that shelter residents receive necessary donations such as food, clothing, and essential supplies.

• Passion for social justice and ending domestic violence, gender, racial, and economic inequality.
• A deep commitment to survivor-centered advocacy, understanding that survivors are the experts in their own lives.
• Strong crisis intervention skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people in distress.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the unique needs of marginalized communities, including immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.
• Comfort working in a pet-friendly shelter setting.
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changing situations, responding with professionalism and empathy.

• Advocacy experience preferred; experience may substitute for formal education.
• Background in domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and the intersection of oppression and domestic violence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; knowledge of Osnium and Infonet a plus.
• Experience with data collection, case documentation, and reporting for grant compliance.
• Ability to pass a Washington State background check.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Physical ability to lift up to 60 lbs, navigate stairs, and respond quickly in emergencies.
• Commitment to completing at least 30 hours of annual domestic violence training to maintain and enhance advocacy skills.

Why Join DAWN? 

At DAWN, you’ll be part of a passionate team working toward real change in our community. You’ll receive ongoing training and professional development, work in an inclusive and supportive environment, and play a vital role in helping survivors and their families reclaim their futures.

• 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 : $25