Join Our Mission to Empower and Uplift Survivors
Location: South King County | Schedule: 4/10s (Monday–Thursday, 8AM–6PM)
DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) is seeking a compassionate, experienced, and highly motivated Community Lead Advocate (CLA) to join our dynamic, mission-driven team. This is not an office-heavy, admin-centric position. This is a hands-on advocacy leadership role deeply rooted in field-based, trauma-informed, survivor-centered work.
If you believe in the power of survivor-led solutions, the importance of racial and gender equity, and the need for transformative, community-rooted support, you belong here.
Position Summary
The Community Lead Advocate (CLA) plays a vital role in delivering direct, empowerment-based advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence across South King County. The CLA also supports and mentors community advocates, provides consultation on escalated client needs, and ensures quality advocacy practices agency wide. While some office hours are required, the majority of this role takes place in the field, meeting survivors in locations where they feel safest.
Key Responsibilities
Survivor Advocacy & Direct Support (Core Focus)
- Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally competent advocacy to individuals and families.
- Assist survivors with navigating complex systems (e.g., housing, legal, immigration, medical, and mental health).
- Facilitate in-person and virtual support groups tailored to survivor needs.
- Conduct crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource navigation.
- Develop strong relationships with external service providers and act as liaison between survivors and systems.
- Participate in outreach, education, and public awareness events.
- Cover shifts on DAWN’s 24-hour advocacy and support line.
Leadership & Team Support
- Serve as the first point of contact for client escalations among community advocates.
- Mentor and support fellow advocates with co-advocacy, consultation, and training.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff.
- Collaborate with the Community Advocacy Supervisor and Director of Programs to maintain the crisis line schedule.
- Process financial assistance requests from community advocates.
- Help ensure quality assurance through data monitoring and reporting.
Outreach & Community Engagement
- Represent DAWN at external meetings, trainings, and community events.
- Distribute up-to-date program materials throughout South King County.
Who You Are
You are deeply committed to survivor autonomy and social justice. You understand that survivors are the experts of their own lives. You're energized by direct service, thrive in dynamic environments, and have a passion for empowering others through advocacy.
You also:
- Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
- Work collaboratively with humility, empathy, and professionalism.
- Communicate clearly across cultures and with individuals who have limited English proficiency.
- Stay calm in high-stress situations and make sound decisions in real-time.
- Are highly organized and self-motivated.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of domestic violence advocacy experience (required).
- Leadership or team mentoring experience (required).
- High School Diploma or GED (required); Associate degree in social work, psychology, or related field (preferred).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
- Reliable transportation, valid WA driver’s license, clean driving record, and proof of insurance OR alternative dependable transportation.
- Ability to pass Washington State criminal background check.
- Completion of DAWN’s Domestic Violence Intervention training and CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Osnium or other client tracking databases.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
- Lived experience of domestic or gender-based violence considered in lieu of professional experience.
- Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, kneel, twist, and climb stairs. - Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable using computers for prolonged periods.
Why Work at DAWN?
- 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental Coverage – We care for you, so you can care for others.
- Quarterly Self-Care Days – Prioritize your mental health and rejuvenation.
- Paid Lunch Breaks – Recharge every day.
- Ongoing Training & Professional Development – Grow while making an impact.
- Diverse, Inclusive, Mission-Driven Team – Join passionate professionals working together to end domestic violence.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this advocacy-focused leadership role.
About DAWN:
DAWN is a holistic domestic violence agency located in South King County supporting survivors of domestic violence, the community, and other social services agencies towards the goal of ending domestic violence. Through our wide variety of programming, we strive to serve survivors wherever they are in their relationships, meeting their needs as they prioritize them, and working with them physically wherever they deem safe, within the South King County region. Our programs include a 24-hour advocacy support hotline, confidential emergency shelter, mobile/community advocacy, support groups, legal advocacy, immigrant advocacy, children’s advocacy, mental health services, TANF advocacy, prevention and education services, and the marketplace food program. While working with us, survivors and their families are offered advocacy, resources, and a safe place to begin again.
