Position Summary: The Bilingual Client Advocate provides frontline, trauma‑informed advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in both English and Spanish. This position delivers direct support services within the systems, protocols, and priorities established by the Advocacy Department and under the supervision of the Advocacy Manager. Bilingual Client Advocates support survivors in navigating crisis situations, accessing resources, and strengthening safety and stability. This role requires professionalism, confidentiality, emotional resilience, and adherence to survivor‑centered, empowerment‑based advocacy practices. Bilingual Client Advocates exercise independent judgment within established agency policies and procedures and are required to consult the Advocacy Manager or designated on‑call leadership when situations exceed defined protocols, involve elevated safety risk, or require supervisory approval.
Direct Client Advocacy Services (Primary Function)
- Provide trauma‑informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and safety planning services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in both English and Spanish.
- Support survivors in navigating medical, legal, and social service systems, including accompaniment to hospitals, court proceedings, and other appointments as assigned.
- Assist survivors with applications for victim compensation and other supportive services in accordance with program guidelines.
- Facilitate advocacy‑related support groups or educational sessions as assigned and trained.
- Provide referrals and warm hand‑offs to community resources aligned with client goals and safety needs.
- Bilingual Client Advocates do not independently establish program policies, determine eligibility criteria, or make decisions outside designated advocacy protocols.
- Provide transportation for clients to appointments, court hearings, and essential services when required
Crisis Response & On‑Call Support
- Participate in the Advocacy Program’s crisis response and on‑call rotation as scheduled.
- Respond to hotline calls, hospital responses, and urgent advocacy needs in accordance with agency procedures.
- Document all crisis response activities accurately and timely in the designated client database.
- On‑call expectations, response time requirements, and compensation are administered in accordance with agency policy and applicable wage‑and‑hour laws.
Documentation, Data & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of client services, referrals, and outcomes in the agency’s database.
- Ensure all client files are completed in accordance with agency policy, funder requirements, and legal standards.
- Contribute required service data for reporting purposes as directed by the Advocacy Manager.
- Bilingual Client Advocates contribute to documentation and data collection but do not hold responsibility for grant reporting, compliance determinations, or program evaluation.
Collaboration & Professional Practice
- Collaborate with Advocacy staff, Shelter staff, and other departments to support integrated survivor services.
- Maintain professional boundaries with clients, including adherence to policies regarding gifts, transportation, communication, and personal disclosure.
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities.
- Uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct at all times.
- Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope of the Advocate role.
Compliance & Mandatory Reporting
- Bilingual Client Advocates are required to comply with all mandatory reporting laws, confidentiality requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations related to domestic violence and sexual assault services. Advocates must follow agency protocols regarding disclosure, documentation, and escalation.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field or equivalent relevant experience.
- Fluency in both English and Spanish (required).
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals affected by trauma, crisis, or violence.
- Experience providing crisis intervention, advocacy, or case management services.
- Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Valid Texas driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to pass required background checks.
- The qualifications listed represent the minimum requirements of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Preferred
- Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
- Group facilitation experience.
- Familiarity with legal systems, victim advocacy processes, or coordinated community response.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Commitment to Safer Path’s mission and survivor-centered values.
- Trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach
- Cultural responsiveness and bilingual competence
- Emotional resilience in high-stress environments
- Strong ethical boundaries and accountability
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to perform required physical tasks, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to provide transportation to clients as required.
- Ability to work a schedule that may include evenings or weekends as part of crisis response coverage.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Employment Status & Conditions
- Employment with Safer Path is at-will. Either the employee or Safer Path may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
- Safer Path Family Violence Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $38,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Pleasanton, TX 78064 (Required)
Work Location: In person
