Crisis Care Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Solace is a trauma-informed, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their journey toward emotional well-being, resilience, and hope. Solace provides integrated, trauma-informed services, including:

• Crisis Care: Immediate intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse
• Therapy Center: Clinical mental health services for all ages
• Healing Arts: Trauma-informed, body-based interventions for youth affected by adverse childhood experiences
• Community Outreach: Prevention, education, and training to foster safer communities

MISSION
To empower people to navigate their unique journeys toward emotional well-being, resilience, and hope.

VALUES

• Trust
• Compassion
• Collaboration
• Accessibility
• Excellence

POSITION SUMMARY
The Crisis Care Navigator delivers immediate and ongoing trauma-informed advocacy and crisis response services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, relational trauma, and family violence. This role ensures survivors receive comprehensive, survivor-centered support while navigating medical, legal, and recovery systems. The position requires sound independent judgment, professional accountability, and strong case management skills, with a steadfast commitment to survivor empowerment and ethical practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Crisis Intervention & Survivor Advocacy

• Provide immediate crisis response and emotional support to survivors in various settings, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and shelters.
• Serve as a rotating on-call crisis responder during business hours.
• Conduct needs assessments, safety planning, and connect survivors with protection resources.
• Support survivors in filing protection orders, crime victim compensation applications, and accessing emergency financial assistance.
• Offer short-term crisis intervention and refer to long-term therapy or support services.

Case Management & Coordination

• Maintain responsibility for assigned survivor cases, ensuring timely follow-up and accurate documentation.
• Coordinate care with internal teams and community partners for continuity of services.
• Consult with supervisors on complex or high-risk situations to ensure ethical decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with therapists, legal advocates, and case managers to support care plans.
• Provide walk-in crisis coverage and assess the immediate needs of clients and community members.

Training, Education & Organizational Development

• Contribute to the development and delivery of staff training on sexual assault, domestic violence, and trauma-informed advocacy.
• Maintain subject matter expertise in trauma and survivor advocacy.
• Participate in agency education and outreach initiatives as assigned.

Systems Navigation & Community Partnerships

• Serve as a liaison between survivors and external agencies, advocating for survivor rights and equitable access to services.
• Provide court accompaniment and legal advocacy as needed.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with medical providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and service partners.
• Identify systemic barriers affecting survivors and communicate recommendations to leadership.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

• Ensure timely, accurate, and confidential case documentation per agency policy and legal requirements.
• Track service trends and survivor outcomes, providing feedback to leadership as appropriate.
• Stay current on state and federal victim rights laws and relevant legislative updates.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in crisis intervention, victim advocacy, or survivor services is considered.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum two years’ experience in domestic or sexual violence advocacy, crisis response, or related direct-service roles.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed and survivor-centered advocacy practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with professional accountability.
• Experience facilitating training or educational programming preferred.
• Excellent crisis de-escalation, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and rotating on-call shifts.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical advocacy, and survivor empowerment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Ethical Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
• Professional Accountability
• Resilience & Adaptability
• Communication & Documentation

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Operates in a fast-paced, trauma-informed professional setting. Regular interaction with survivors, staff, and community partners. Standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers) is routinely used.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent communication with clients and colleagues.
• Regular standing, walking, and manual handling of materials.
• Visual acuity for data analysis and computer work.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Full-time, exempt position 
  
• Generous paid time off and wellness hours
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Leadership and growth pathways within the organization

TRAVEL
Occasional local travel within Sioux Falls; some overnight travel for conferences or training may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Solace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status.

DISCLAIMER
This job description provides a general summary of responsibilities and expectations. Duties may evolve or be assigned as needed to meet Solace’s mission and operational needs.