Position Overview
The Adult Advocate is a key member of the advocacy team, providing trauma-informed support and services to adult survivors of domestic violence throughout Wright and Sherburne Counties. This full-time, non-exempt position combines direct client advocacy, crisis intervention, community engagement, program coordination, and leadership of the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP).
The Adult Advocate works collaboratively with survivors, community partners, and fellow advocates to promote safety, healing, accountability, and long-term stability. This role offers a unique opportunity to support survivors while also leading the growth and development of a critical violence prevention program that helps create lasting change in our communities.
Services are provided in person, by phone, virtually, and throughout the community.
Reports To: Adult Program Manager
Why This Role Matters
Every day, survivors of domestic violence face difficult decisions and complex systems while working toward safety and independence. As an Adult Advocate, you will be a trusted source of support, information, and empowerment during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
In addition to direct advocacy services, this position provides leadership for Rivers of Hope's Batterer Intervention Program, helping to increase participant engagement, expand community impact, enhance curriculum, and strengthen accountability efforts that contribute to safer families and healthier relationships.
Beyond direct services, you will serve as a visible representative of Rivers of Hope throughout the community—building partnerships, educating the public, and raising awareness about domestic violence prevention and survivor support.
Key Responsibilities
Survivor Advocacy and Support
Provide compassionate, survivor-centered advocacy that empowers individuals to make informed decisions and access resources that support their safety and well-being.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide crisis intervention, assessment, safety planning, advocacy, referrals, and ongoing case management.
- Support survivors in navigating legal systems, including Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, victim rights, and court proceedings.
- Accompany and advocate for clients during court hearings and related appointments when appropriate.
- Connect clients with housing resources, financial assistance, transportation support, healthcare services, and other community resources.
- Assist survivors in identifying options and developing plans that support safety, stability, and self-determination.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation of client interactions and services.
- Collaborate with Youth Advocates and other staff to ensure coordinated, holistic support for families impacted by domestic violence.
Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) Leadership and Growth
Provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and strategic development of the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP), promoting accountability, behavior change, and violence prevention.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinate daily operations of the Batterer Intervention Program.
- Facilitate educational groups utilizing the Duluth Model and other evidence-informed practices.
- Conduct participant intakes, orientations, assessments, attendance tracking, and documentation.
- Maintain communication with probation officers, attorneys, courts, and referral partners regarding participant progress and compliance.
- Prepare attendance verifications, progress reports, completion certificates, and termination notices.
- Ensure compliance with program policies, state requirements, and organizational standards.
- Coordinate contracted facilitators and support quality assurance efforts.
- Develop and implement strategies to strengthen and expand the BIP program, including increasing class enrollment, participation, engagement, retention, and overall program effectiveness.
- Evaluate, enhance, and continuously improve curriculum content to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with best practices and participant needs.
- Utilize participant feedback, referral partner input, and program outcomes data to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen referral networks and increase awareness of the program among community stakeholders and partner organizations.
Community Collaboration, Outreach, and Education
Serve as a relationship-builder, educator, and advocate within the community to advance Rivers of Hope's mission and strengthen collaborative efforts to end family violence.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and maintain partnerships with law enforcement, county agencies, probation departments, public health organizations, schools, healthcare providers, housing agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
- Represent Rivers of Hope at community meetings, task forces, collaborative initiatives, and stakeholder groups.
- Participate in outreach events, community resource fairs, and tabling opportunities to increase awareness of Rivers of Hope services and programs.
- Deliver presentations, trainings, and educational workshops to community groups, professional organizations, partner agencies, schools, and the public.
- Educate community members and professionals on domestic violence, healthy relationships, victim advocacy, and available resources.
- Build awareness of Rivers of Hope's mission, programs, and impact while strengthening community engagement and referral networks.
- Advocate for survivor-centered policies and practices that support safety, equity, and access to services.
Organizational Support
As a member of a collaborative nonprofit team, contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of Rivers of Hope.
Responsibilities include:
- Actively support and promote the mission, vision, and values of Rivers of Hope.
- Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization in all interactions with clients, partners, volunteers, donors, and community members.
- Attend staff meetings, professional trainings, conferences, and other meetings as required.
- Utilize agency databases and technology systems to accurately track client demographics, services, and required reporting information.
- Maintain grant-compliant documentation and data collection practices.
- Assist with general office operations and shared team responsibilities, including answering phones and providing front-line support as needed.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and mission-focused workplace culture.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and community needs.
Qualifications
Preferred Education and Experience
- Associate's or bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field; or equivalent advocacy experience.
- Experience providing services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, trauma, or related issues.
- Experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, or victim services.
- Experience facilitating groups, educational programs, or community presentations is preferred.
- Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, victim rights, trauma-informed practices, and community resources is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, economic, religious, and social backgrounds, identities, abilities, and lived experiences.
- Strong crisis intervention skills and ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and time-management abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing databases and electronic record-keeping systems.
What We Offer
At Rivers of Hope, you'll find more than a job—you'll find meaningful work, a supportive team, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of survivors and the broader community.
If you are passionate about ending family violence, empowering survivors, building community partnerships, and helping create safer futures for individuals and families, we encourage you to apply.
Together, we can create safer families, stronger communities, and a future free from violence.
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
The duties and responsibilities described above are intended to provide a general overview of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all assigned duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to meet organizational needs.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
