Bilingual Victim Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $20-$21 per hour DOE

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Bilingual Victim Service Advocate (DV and Housing)

DEPARTMENT : Domestic Abuse Council and Housing

REPORTS TO : Victim Services Coordinator

COUNTIES : Monona, Crawford, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Carroll

BENEFITS : Full time position; Health, Vision & Dental Insurance, Vacation / Sick Leave, Simple IRA, Non-Exempt

Position Summary :

The Bilingual Victim Advocate is responsible for providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered victim services to survivors of domestic abuse, homicide, and all victims of violent crime, with an emphasis on serving Spanish-speaking clients and communities. Additionally, the advocate conducts community outreach, training, and awareness initiatives to strengthen resources for survivors and enhance public understanding of victim needs furthering the impact of the agencys mission.

The Housing Advocate provides essential support and guidance to individuals and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This position plays a key role in assessing referrals, connecting clients with housing opportunities, and supporting the transition into stable housing.

Key Responsibilities :

Direct Client Services & Advocacy

• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support and case management for survivors of all other violent crimes. Respond promptly to crisis calls, ensuring survivors receive immediate safety planning and emotional support.
• Assist survivors with protection orders, Crime Victim Compensation applications, and legal advocacy.
• Accompany survivors to court hearings, law enforcement interviews, and medical appointments for emotional and procedural support. Connect survivors with community resources.
• Provide verbal and written interpretation and translation in Spanish and English as needed during client interactions, documentation, and community outreach.
• Ensure language access for limited English proficient (LEP) clients by facilitating clear communication and understanding of services and rights.
• Provide in-home services and mobile advocacy when deemed safe and appropriate.
• Establish and uphold clear professional boundaries with clients, following ethical guidelines and organizational policies. Ensure all interactions remain respectful, professional, and focused on client well-being while maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Maintain a minimum of 60% direct service hours per month supporting victims.
• Participate in on-call rotations, providing crisis response for seven-day periods, including holidays (if applicable).
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Case Management & Documentation

Community Outreach & Public Awareness

Training & Professional Development

Staff Wellness & Support

Qualifications :

Strong ability to respond effectively in crisis situations and establish trust with survivors. Excellent public speaking, written communication, and interpersonal skills.

Criminal and child / dependent adult abuse background checks

FCC is an equal opportunity employer. FCC is fair and impartial in all of its relations with its employees and applicants for employment and makes all employment related decisions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, parental responsibility, language, national origin, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical or mental disability, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.