HelpLine Advocate

Helpline Advocate
Honolulu, HI | Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Join an organization that makes a real difference. The Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) is a trusted nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors and building safer communities across Hawaiʻi. We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and mission-driven Helpline Advocate to provide crisis intervention, short-term advocacy, and critical support to individuals experiencing intimate partner abuse.

About the Role

As a Helpline Advocate, you will be the first point of contact for individuals seeking information, safety planning, and referrals related to domestic violence. You will provide trauma-informed crisis support, conduct safety and lethality assessments, and offer short-term advocacy services to a caseload of approximately 20–25 clients.This role requires strong assessment skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with individuals in crisis.

What We Offer

• 100% paid Medical, Dental & Vision (UHA)
• 14 Paid Holidays, including your birthday off
• Up to 6+ weeks annual PTO, with accrual starting Day 1
• 401K Retirement Plan (Mutual of America)
• Life Insurance, Pet Insurance & FSA options
• Discounts at local businesses across the island
• Monday–Friday schedule
• A passionate, mission-aligned team making a daily impact

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scheduled helpline coverage and respond to incoming crisis calls
• Establish non-judgmental, trauma-informed communication with callers
• Conduct needs, safety, risk, and lethality assessments
• Engage callers in safety planning and crisis counseling
• Provide accurate information about DVAC services, community resources, and legal options (including TROs and related remedies)
• Offer short-term advocacy services, including follow-up support and referrals
• Assess for primary aggressor and readiness for change when appropriate
• Facilitate referrals to long-term advocacy, legal services, or other programs when needs exceed short-term scope
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the agency database
• Protect client confidentiality and adhere to ethical and agency standards
• Collaborate with DVAC staff, advocates, and legal team members
• Track and submit required service statistics
• Attend at least four relevant professional development trainings annually
• Provide services with cultural awareness and sensitivity to language access needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or at least one year of experience working with domestic violence clients, crisis counseling, or related services
• Knowledge of domestic violence law and community resources
• Working knowledge of criminal and civil justice systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities
• Ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a team environment

We believe all persons should be treated with equality, dignity, and fairness. Through high-quality and culturally sensitive programs delivered with integrity and compassion, we are creating safety and self-sufficiency for survivors and their children.

Apply today with your resume, cover letter, and three references.