FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAM ADVOCATE
VACANCY ANN#: STOI- 25-088
TITLE: FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAM ADVOCATE
DEPARTMENT: HHS
LOCATION: WELLPINIT, WA
STATUS: FULL-TIME
RATE OF PAY: $23 PER HOUR
OPENING DATE: SEPTMEBER 23, 2025
CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The FVP Advocate works under the Family Violence Program (FVP) Manager to support Native survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse. This role offers 24/7 help through crisis response, safety planning, legal and medical support, court help, emergency housing, and ongoing case management. Services follow national and state standards, including laws like FVPSA, OVW, and RCW 5.60.060(8). Advocates keep survivor information private, report data for grants, and help with prevention and education in the community.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Answer the 24-hour crisis line and respond to requests in person or online, including going with survivors to hospitals or with police.
- Do quick and respectful safety checks and create personalized safety plans that consider emotional, physical, and cultural needs.
- Help survivors understand legal options, support them with court forms, attend hearings, and work with legal staff and courts.
- Help survivors find emergency or temporary housing, transportation, food, clothes, and basic needs.
- Refer survivors to tribal and non-tribal programs like mental health, substance use treatment, TANF, and healthcare.
- Record all support services in a private database to meet grant and tribal rules.
- Lead or help lead support groups and healing events that use Spokane language and traditions.
- Work with the FVP Manager to teach police, courts, schools, and others about violence, trauma, and culture.
- Join teams like SART and DV high-risk teams to improve how services are delivered together.
- Take part in the on-call rotation, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays for about one week each month.
- Gather and protect client data and feedback to improve services.
- Do other tasks that support survivor safety and tribal values.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and elder abuse, especially how they affect Native people.
- Knowledge of Washington laws (WAC 388‑61A) and survivor confidentiality (RCW 5.60.060).
- Familiar with FVPSA, VOCA, VAWA, and DV Housing First programs.
- Able to provide support that is trauma-informed, culturally based, and focused on survivor choices.
- Good at crisis response, listening, and calming high-stress situations.
- Able to write clear notes and court documents while keeping information private.
- Comfortable using Microsoft 365, online databases, and video meeting tools.
- Able to work alone, manage deadlines, and stay calm in emergencies.
- Dedicated to fairness, cultural respect, and ongoing learning.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED and must complete 40-hour Core Academy Training from Victim Support Services within 6 months of hire.
- One year of paid or volunteer work in advocacy, social services, mental health, or a related field.
- Valid Washington driver’s license, reliable transportation, and able to be insured under Tribal rules.
- Must pass a background check and drug test.
- Willing to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, Indigenous studies, or similar field.
- Certification through the National Advocate Credential Program (NACP) or able to get one within a year of hire.
- Experience working in tribal communities or rural areas.
- Understanding of Tribal, state, and federal court systems and protection orders.
- Training in support techniques like Motivational Interviewing or trauma-focused counseling.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & ONGOING REQUIREMENTS:
- At least 20 hours of continuing education each year in domestic violence or prevention topics, with 10 hours being live training.
- At least 12 hours of training each year in sexual assault advocacy.
- Keep a valid NACP or other recognized advocate credential, renewed every two years.
- Complete annual training in mandatory reporting and program ethics.
*Tribal Preference Applies – Tribal Preference grants preference in employment to qualified enrolled Spokane Tribal Citizens, Spouses of Spokane Tribal Citizens, First Line Descendants of Spokane Tribal Citizens, and Citizens of other Tribes and Other Applicants, in that order.
*Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior.
Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.
MUST APPLY ONLINE: https://spokanetribe.bamboohr.com/careers/462?source=aWQ9MTg%3D
Contact: Donnie Lebret, DCWMHC HR Director
E-mail: donnie.lebret@dcwmhc.com
Phone: 509-258-4517 ext.767
Applications must be received in the Human Resource Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date.
The Spokane Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy
All Applicants are subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Test
All Positions with the Spokane tribe of Indians are subject to a 90-day orientation period