Domestic Violence Advocate

Compensation: $13.00/hour to $14.25/hour

The Program:
YWCA Resolve is a Family Domestic Violence Program offering 24/7 shelter, a help hotline, pet shelter, and emergency intervention for victims of domestic violence.

YWCA Charleston needs a compassionate and dependable Domestic Violence Advocate to support survivors in a residential shelter environment in the evening and overnight. This role provides frontline crisis response and day-to-day support that helps create a safe, calm, and empowering space for residents and their families.

The Advocate will respond to crisis calls, assist survivors with safety planning, and model healthy communication and conflict resolution within the shelter community. This position also plays a vital role in maintaining the warmth and stability of the home by helping settle house disputes, supporting residents with daily living skills, and assisting with shared responsibilities such as cooking, light cleaning, and overall care of the residence.

The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy, strong boundaries, and the ability to remain calm in high-stress situations while promoting dignity, accountability, and healing for all residents. Experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or residential support is preferred, along with a deep commitment to YWCA’s mission of empowering women and strengthening families.

• Demonstrated experience responding to crisis situations (hotline calls, de-escalation, emotional support, or emergency response).
• Experience supporting individuals from diverse and underserved populations , including survivors of trauma, housing instability, or family violence.
• Familiarity with safety planning, empowerment-based advocacy, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience in a communal or residential setting (shelter, group home, campus housing, childcare, or similar environment) where shared living dynamics and conflict resolution are required.
• Proven ability to model healthy communication and boundaries , mediate minor disputes, and maintain a calm, respectful environment.
• Experience assisting with life-skills support such as cooking, cleaning routines, household organization, and reinforcing shared community expectations.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation , follow confidentiality standards, and adhere to program policies and safety protocols.

Education & Requirements:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) or years of experience in a relevant field.
• Must be willing to work holidays, during inclement weather, and residential health outbreaks, such as the flu .

• Preference given to applicants with relevant training or certifications (or willingness to obtain), such as:

  • Domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy training.
  • Crisis intervention or hotline training.
  • Trauma-informed care.
  • CPR/First Aid.
  • Mandated reporter training.

A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.

Why Should You Apply?

• You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life!
• You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self-sufficient!
• You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of the individual and the organization!

Compensation: $13.00/hour to $14.25/hour

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals annually. Equal opportunity is given to all applicants. The YWCA was built upon our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We can continue to be successful when people are treated fairly and allowed to grow and achieve their potential. We take pride in treating people equally, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, blindness, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.