Hope Alliance is accepting applications for volunteer positions as a Volunteer Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate. If you have a strong commitment to helping people, have solid office skills, and are willing to complete sexual assault/domestic violence advocate training, then this could be the volunteer opportunity you’ve been looking for. Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Hope Alliance is the state accredited non-profit agency in Lewis County, Washington for providing 24/7 survivor advocacy. Hope Alliance advocates for and empowers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hope Alliance also seeks to affect social change by collaborating with community partners to inspire life without violence. The number of hours volunteered per week is determined in discussions with the Executive Director.

A full copy of this recruitment package, including Position Description, Hope Alliance Volunteer Application form, and Supplemental Questions can be obtained by contacting the Hope Alliance Executive Director, Kristine Camenzind at [email protected]

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people. Another benefit is the specific training in domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy. This training is mandated by state law for advocates in accredited agencies. If you want to pursue a paid position in advocacy, having this training makes you very attractive to accredited agencies across Washington state.

Duties are performed independently in Hope Alliance’s office and in the community, operating from established policies and procedures. This position is not supervisory in nature.

Schedule is determined in consultation with the Executive Director.

• Commitment to the agency’s mission and core values
• Ability and willingness to take and pass core sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy training, as required by governing WACs and RCWs of Washington State.
• Pass a comprehensive National background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
• Valid Washington State Identification.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in performing a variety of clerical functions at a technical or secretarial support level, such as:
  • Operate a multi-line phone system;
  • Demonstrate journeyman computer skills (like MS Word, Excel and other software and apps); o Organize and maintain timely and accurate client and event records.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and as part of a team.
• Ability to complete daily, weekly and monthly tasks and complete checklists within required timeframe.
• Ability and willingness to respond with compassion to clients in a supportive client environment.
• Ability and willingness to communicate and work well with individuals of diverse backgrounds, various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance, income levels, and differing abilities.
• Ability to make critical decisions, problem-solve, and remain calm in high crisis situations.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks often on short notice.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all client data, processes, and identity.

• Associates degree in social services, social sciences or a related field; or two years relevant work experience.
• Bilingual – Spanish/English
• At least 2 years’ experience using MS Word, Excel, and other software and apps.
• Recent experience within a domestic violence program or community sexual assault program.

• When the need arises, provide direct advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in person and via telephone, including
• Hope Alliance’s 24-hour crisis response line.
• Provide crisis intervention and referral services to callers and clients, regardless of program type.
• Provide assistance with systems navigation to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Provide objective, knowledgeable, and supportive intervention on behalf of the client: assert and advance the client’s choices and rights.
• Responding to hospital calls for sexual assault and domestic violence client advocacy.
• Attend and participate in agency and community meetings and training as assigned.
• Complete 50 hours of initial Core Training as well as 30 hours of continuing education in each following year.
• Adhere to all Washington State Laws (RCW) and Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) relating to community based domestic violence and sexual assault program(s) services.
• Follow established Policies and Procedures.
• Perform routine operations & maintenance tasks to provide a safe and clean environment.
• Other assigned duties may include but are not limited to: providing services to clients regardless of program, facilitating support group, providing childcare, court monitoring, sorting and dispersing donations, reception, providing community education, providing outreach, and clerical tasks.