Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

CONTACT Rape Crisis Center is seeking a community-focused candidate for immediate hire as a Victim Advocate for survivors of sexual assault and stalking.

Working at Contact is a uniquely rewarding experience in which our employees and volunteers work together to provide advocacy and support for victims of sexual assault and stalking.

Location: Huntington, WV - In-office position in Huntington, WV. Candidates must have a personal vehicle as they will be out in the community and at the hospitals helping survivors.

Position Overview

The Victim Advocate plays a vital role in fulfilling CONTACT’s mission by providing trauma-informed support, crisis intervention, and advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and sex trafficking. Advocates walk alongside survivors through every stage of recovery — from the initial crisis to ongoing healing — ensuring that no one faces trauma alone.

CONTACT’s Victim Advocates serve as a lifeline for survivors across six counties in southwestern West Virginia, offering emotional support, information, and guidance as clients navigate medical, legal, and social service systems.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct Client Services

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning for survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking, as well as for family members or loved ones.
• Offer in-person advocacy at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations.
• Accompany survivors to forensic exams and interviews.
• Provide information, referrals, and follow-up services to connect clients with counseling, housing, legal aid, and other community resources.
• Maintain confidential and accurate client files in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.
• Facilitate peer support groups for suvivors of trauma in a variety of settings.
• Victim advocates generally serve survivors from ages 15 and up, but may be required to work with younger children as needed.

Hotline & On-Call Coverage

• Provide coverage for CONTACT’s 24-hour crisis hotline.
• Take regular on-call shifts to respond to hospital calls and emergencies. These shifts include weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Assist with scheduling volunteers and staff to maintain consistent hotline coverage.

Community Collaboration & Outreach

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with hospitals, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other service providers.
• Represent CONTACT at multidisciplinary team meetings, community trainings, or outreach events.
• Promote CONTACT’s services and encourage collaboration among community partners.

Training & Professional Development

• Participate in all required training, certification, and continuing education related to victim advocacy and trauma-informed care.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring new volunteers and staff.
• Contribute to in-service trainings and staff development activities.

Program Support

• Track client data, service statistics, and activities for grant and reporting purposes.
• Assist in planning and implementing awareness events and prevention initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Please note: these qualifications are for the right candidate. If you believe you can do this job, please apply even if you aren’t a “perfect” candidate. We celebrate having employees from diverse backgrounds.

• Degree or certificate in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Nursing, or a related field – comparable work or volunteer experience considered.
• Experience working with trauma survivors preferred; training provided for qualified candidates.
• MUST live within 30 minutes of Huntington area hospitals
• Must possess a valid driver's license and personal vehicle with up-to-date registration and insurance.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office
• Must be professional with excellent decision-making skills.
• Must be able to work professionally and with the highest ethics.
• Must have good computer skills, including email, video calls, troubleshooting, and general workplace applications.
• Must be able to operate scanners, printers, and other office equipment.
• Must be able to maintain a good working relationship with people of various backgrounds, including lower-income people, those in active addiction or recovery, doctors, nurses, law enforcement, government officials, and employees of other organizations. CONTACT does not discriminate against any survivor of sexual violence or stalking.
• Must be able to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues.
• Preference is given to candidates with experience in Cabell County courts, community-based organizations, or state and local government services.
• No background of violent crimes, crimes against children, or crimes that violate the Victims of Crime Act.

The ideal candidate is empathetic, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to helping others heal. They balance emotional intelligence with professionalism, listen without judgment, and serve as a steady presence in moments of crisis.

Victim Advocates at CONTACT embody compassion, resilience, and the belief that healing is always possible.

We will not consider full-time students, graduate students who need to do practicums or internships, or other candidates who have inflexible schedules. This is a full-time position that doesn't fit an easy 9-5 schedule.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Range & Benefits:

• Pay in the $20/hr range
• 11 paid holidays per year
• 20 paid PTO days per year + an additional 5 days PTO after the first 5 years
• $450 health insurance premium stipend per month
• 401(k) plan with up to 3% match, fully vested
• Low-cost supplemental insurance like vision, dental, life, or disability
• Professional development and training to become a certified victim advocate provided

TO APPLY:

Interviews will begin soon. Please apply ASAP.

Applications must include a cover letter and resume.

Please include in your cover letter why you are interested in this position and how your background & personality relate to the job qualifications. Highlight your accomplishments and what makes you suited for this position. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

We will contact you by the email on your application.

Planned interview schedule:

1. 15 – 30 minute zoom introductions

2. 1 hr in-person interviews

3. Possible follow up in-person interview depending on the number of qualified candidates

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with children from difficult backgrounds?
• This position requires on-call time to respond to victims 24/7. On-call shifts may include nights, weekends and holidays. Are you comfortable and available for flexible scheduling within the 40 hours per week?

Ability to Commute:

• Huntington, WV 25701 (Required)

Work Location: In person