Victim Advocate
Location: Medford, WI
Employment Type: Full-time (typically 32-hour work week), salary exempt
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Employees participate in the agency’s crisis line rotation and must be available outside of regular office hours when scheduled. Additional evening or weekend hours may be required for client support, trainings, community programming, or other agency needs.
Reports To: Executive Director
About Stepping Stones:
Stepping Stones has been serving our community since 1978, providing support, advocacy, and education for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, bullying, and teen dating violence. Our mission is to promote safety, resilience, and empowerment for survivors and their families. Stepping Stones provides services to all survivors of violence (regardless of age, orientation, or gender).
Position Overview:
The Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed support and advocacy to survivors of violence through direct services, crisis response, community outreach, prevention programming, and collaboration with community partners.
This position may occasionally require providing transportation to assist survivors in accessing essential services. Periodic travel outside Taylor County may also be required for agency-approved trainings and meetings. Mileage is reimbursed in accordance with Stepping Stones' travel reimbursement policy.
Stepping Stones provides onboarding and ongoing training. Victim services, laws, resources, and best practices continually evolve, and employees are expected to actively participate in in training opportunities, ask questions, communicate when additional guidance is needed, and work alongside team members to continue building their knowledge and skills throughout their employment.
Key Responsibilities:
Personal Advocacy & Client Support:
- Provide trauma-informed emotional support and guidance to survivors in person, online, or by phone/text/email.
- Conduct intake, explain client rights and confidentiality, and assist with safety planning.
- Connect survivors with resources including shelter, financial assistance, medical care, legal services, and other community supports.
- Provide accompaniment and transportation to court hearings, medical appointments, law enforcement interviews, and other essential services as needed.
- Maintain professional boundaries and provide survivor-centered services.
Crisis Response & Hotline:
- Participate in a shared after-hours crisis line rotation (on-call pay provided).
- Provide crisis intervention and support during emergency situations.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, human services, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
Community Outreach & Agency Support:
- Build relationships with community partners and represent Stepping Stones at meetings and events.
- Assist with prevention programming, awareness campaigns, and community education.
- Maintain confidential client records and complete documentation required for agency reporting.
- Participate in trainings and assist with agency projects and duties as needed.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Dependable, flexible, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver's license, insured vehicle, safe driving record, and reliable transportation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
- Ability to learn agency databases and technology.
- Comfortable facilitating groups and working with diverse populations.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in advocacy, human services, or another helping profession.
- Knowledge of sexual assault, domestic violence, and related issues.
- Associate degree or higher in Human Services or related field.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Why Work at Stepping Stones?
Meaningful work supporting survivors and strengthening our community.
Opportunities for professional growth and ongoing training.
Paid time off and parental leave.
Mileage reimbursement.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $39,520.00 per year
Benefits:
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing to provide on-call support to survivors outside of office hours? This responsibility is on scheduled rotation among staff. On-call pay is supplemental to salary.
- Are you willing to work flexible hours when needed? Office hours are Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM. Time outside of office hours may be required based upon client need and programming.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
