Case Advocate

YWCA Greater Lafayette is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA Greater Lafayette is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our Advocacy & Support Services Department provides direct support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking (DV/SA/HT) by offering crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning, and resource coordination.

The Case Advocate plays a crucial role in empowering survivors by connecting them to essential services, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they have access to safe housing, legal protections, and long-term support.

 Position Summary

The Case Advocate is responsible for providing comprehensive, survivor-centered advocacy to individuals impacted by DV/SA/HT. This position involves case management, crisis intervention, legal system navigation, and collaboration with community partners to ensure survivors receive the support they need. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, experience working with marginalized populations, and the ability to work effectively in high-stress and crisis situations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized case management services to survivors, including safety planning, crisis intervention, and emotional support.
• Assist survivors in navigating legal and medical systems, including reporting to law enforcement, securing protection orders, and coordinating forensic exams.
• Facilitate case management by developing individualized safety and support plans based on survivors' needs.
• Develop personalized action plans to help survivors achieve stability, independence, and long-term safety.
• Provide trauma-informed referrals to appropriate wraparound services.
• Maintain accurate case notes, client files, and service documentation to ensure program accountability and compliance with funding requirements 
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotations to provide emergency advocacy support as needed.
• Attend YWCA staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Associate degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field (or equivalent work experience, preferably in a violence intervention/prevention or social services setting.)
• Experience in advocacy, case management, crisis intervention, or working with survivors of trauma is strongly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of victim rights, crisis intervention techniques, and community resources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with varying stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles.
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish) are a plus.
• Must complete YWCA sexual assault advocate training upon hire.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Must pass a criminal background check in accordance with YWCA policies.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Physical/Mental Essential Requirements:

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, moderate lifting and carrying (up to thirty (30) pounds).  
• Full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. 
• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.  
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.  
• Ability to focus on detail and accuracy of work product.        
• Occasional high stress may be experienced in dealing with clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to travel locally to programming sites and community meetings as needed.
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for audits or special events.

A criminal conviction check, and fingerprint check are required for employment in this position. YWCA is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

The statements within this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position.