Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate & Community Educator in Dumfries

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Community Educator and Advocate will support and strengthen the programs of ACTS that make a difference in the lives of neighbours in crisis. This senior-level position provides advanced advocacy and crisis intervention services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their families, including performing intakes, crisis intervention, support sessions, hotline responses, hospital, police station and court accompaniment, and maintaining client records and statistical data relevant to victims of sexual and domestic violence.

In addition to direct client service responsibilities, this position serves as a lead advocate within the program by mentoring staff and volunteers, assisting with case consultation, supporting program development initiatives, coordinating community partnerships, and representing ACTS within multidisciplinary community collaborations and prevention efforts. The Senior Community Educator and Advocate may assist leadership with training, quality assurance, outreach strategy, and operational coordination to ensure high-quality trauma-informed services.

Benefits and Rewards:

• Full health insurance options with generous employer contribution for medical and 403(b) matching.
• Paid vacation and sick leave, personal time, paid lunch, comp time, and Birthday time off!
• Additional time off from December 25 – January 1.
• Serve with highly trained, effective crisis specialists.
• Grow your skills with free, award-winning training.
• Use your talents in a successful organization with over 50 years of significant impact in the community.

Essential Functions:

• Tracks and enters data into various software systems and ensures accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
• Works closely with directors of ACTS Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Programs to support service delivery, program quality, and operational goals.
• Provides advanced advocacy and crisis intervention services to clients experiencing sexual and domestic violence.
• Facilitates peer support groups and psychoeducational groups for survivors.
• Provides guidance, information, referrals, safety planning, and follow-up support to ensure client needs are met.
• Assists advocates and volunteers with difficult cases and crisis response strategies.
• Collaborates with community partners, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and mental health professionals, to ensure victims’ needs are met.
• Represents ACTS at multidisciplinary meetings, task forces, prevention councils, community events, and public awareness initiatives.
• Compiles reports on outcomes, service delivery, and program efforts.
• Provides “on call” coverage for the crisis hotline and hospital accompaniment as determined by program leadership.
• Assists in developing and conducting training for staff, volunteers, interns, and community partners regarding trauma-informed care and victim advocacy.
• Supports outreach, prevention, and community education initiatives related to sexual and domestic violence awareness.
• Assists leadership with quality improvement initiatives, policy implementation, and program coordination.
• Completes 40 hours of sexual and domestic violence intervention training (provided by ACTS during the first year) and participates in advanced continuing education annually.
• Provides support, information, and referral to ACTS clients across programs as needed.
• Assists and supports fundraising efforts, special events, and community engagement activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong empathy, compassion, professionalism, and a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and lead effectively in emotionally charged or crisis situations.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage crisis, trauma, and otherwise disturbing information professionally and ethically.
• Ability to work independently while also thriving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of best practices related to sexual and domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of clients and case files.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting data and maintaining accurate records.
• Flexible schedule to meet client and program needs.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and survivor-centered advocacy.
• Open to learning and implementing evidence-based and emerging best practices.
• Develop training curricula and educational materials to support ACTS, outside agencies, and the community.
• Proficiency or ability to learn new software systems.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, or a related field, required.
• Master’s degree in human services, behavioral sciences, social work, or related field, strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis intervention, or related human services work.
• Experience facilitating groups, training others, and coordinating community services preferred.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.