Job Overview
The Client Advocate provides supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse in a trauma-informed and empowerment-based manner. This role includes hotline response, crisis counseling, case management, safety planning, and community advocacy in Carbon County. At least 50% of this position’s time is dedicated to direct client services.
This position requires flexibility to meet client and agency needs and includes in-person services throughout the Lehigh Valley as well as virtual support.
Responsibilities
- Respond to helpline calls by providing crisis counseling, safety assessments, information, referrals, and follow-up coordination
- Provide short-term empowerment counseling and advocacy services
- Conduct in-person sessions at rotating community locations and Turning Point facilities, as well as virtual sessions
- Complete comprehensive intakes, including demographic and victimization documentation
- Develop individualized safety plans and goal plans with clients
- Maintain accurate and timely case documentation (within 24 hours of service delivery)
- Coordinate referrals and advocate with external agencies (with appropriate consent)
- Assess housing needs and determine eligibility for transitional housing services
- Track service data to meet agency and grant reporting requirements
- Maintain a professional and responsive communication standard (responding to clients within two business days)
Requirements
- Provide crisis intervention, safety assessments, empowerment counseling, and resource referrals via helpline and in-person/virtual sessions.
- Conduct short-term empowerment-based counseling and individualized advocacy for survivors and their families.
- Develop personalized safety plans and goal plans; monitor and document progress.
- Complete comprehensive intake documentation and HELPS/TBI assessments.
- Coordinate referrals and advocate with external agencies, housing providers, and community systems.
- Assess housing needs and determine eligibility for transitional housing services.
- Maintain timely and accurate case documentation within 24 hours of service.
- Manage caseload and scheduling to ensure optimal client access and responsiveness.
- Participate in helpline, office, and direct service coverage.
- Attend regular supervision, staff meetings, case reviews, and agency events.
- Complete required advocate training and ongoing professional development.
- Adhere to trauma-informed practices, empowerment philosophy, and agency policies.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in social services or related field.
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Bilingual abilities preferred.
- Strong crisis intervention, communication, and presentation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to community locations.
- Ability to work effectively with trauma survivors in high-stress environments.
Training & Support
- 45 hours of paid New Advocate Training within the first month of employment
- 10 hours of annual ongoing training related to domestic and intimate partner violence
- Ongoing supervision and professional development opportunities
Ideal Candidates
- Passionate about survivor-focused advocacy
- Trauma-informed and empowerment-oriented
- Comfortable working with crisis situations
- Organized, dependable, and team-oriented
- Strong communication and documentation skills
Benefits
- Health and dental insurance at minimal employee cost
- Company-provided life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
- Retirement plan options with employer contributions
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $21.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
