Anti-Violence Services Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Anti-Violence Services Advocate

Organization : In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV)

Location : Albany, NY

Employment Type : Full-Time, On-Site

Reports To : Director of Anti-Violence Services

About Us

In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ people of color. We provide advocacy, direct services, and leadership development to ensure our communities can thrive with safety, dignity, and equity. Our Anti-Violence Services (AVS) program provides lifesaving support to LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, while also challenging systems to become more inclusive and culturally responsive.

Position Overview

The Anti-Violence Services Advocate is a frontline role for someone who is deeply committed to survivor-centered and trauma-informed advocacy. You will provide crisis intervention, counseling, and resource navigation to LGBTQ+ survivors—especially people of color—helping them access safety, healing, and long-term stability.

This position blends direct client advocacy , systems navigation , and community empowerment , while also playing a role in training providers and shaping systemic change .

Key Responsibilities

Crisis Response & Direct Services

Respond to survivors via hotline, walk-in, and emergency requests with compassion and urgency.

Provide safety planning, trauma-informed counseling, and ongoing emotional support.

Support survivors in accessing emergency shelter, transitional housing, or long-term housing options.

Accompany and advocate for survivors in court, at hospitals, and with law enforcement.

Advocacy & Resource Navigation

Connect clients to culturally competent legal, medical, mental health, and financial resources.

Help survivors set short- and long-term goals and provide hands-on support in navigating service systems.

Center racial, gender, and economic justice in all advocacy efforts.

Program Coordination & Compliance

Maintain accurate case files, documentation, and referral records.

Enter client data in compliance with funder requirements and contribute to monthly / quarterly reports.

Ensure service delivery meets IOOV’s standards and grant objectives.

Training, Outreach & Community Engagement

Facilitate peer-led healing circles, survivor support groups, and community workshops.

Deliver training and technical assistance to mainstream providers on LGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness.

Participate in coalitions, task forces, and community forums addressing gender-based violence.

Collaboration & Mission Alignment

Work closely with IOOV’s interdisciplinary team to provide wraparound support.

Actively promote equity, inclusion, and survivor empowerment in every aspect of the role.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, or related field (or equivalent professional / lived experience).

1–2 years’ experience in advocacy, crisis response, or case management with LGBTQ+ and / or BIPOC communities.

Direct experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and / or sexual assault.

Knowledge of housing systems, safety planning, and social service resources.

Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal).

Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain professional boundaries.

Valid NYS driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred

Bilingual (Spanish / English).

Experience facilitating support groups or workshops.

Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and LGBTQ+-affirming practices.

Why Join IOOV?

At IOOV, you’ll do more than provide services—you’ll be part of a movement for justice and equity. This role offers the opportunity to :

Make a direct impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ survivors.

Build leadership skills in crisis response, advocacy, and program coordination.

Work with a passionate, mission-driven team committed to systemic change.

Company Description

In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ communities, with a focus on people of color. Our mission is to enhance the health, wellness, and overall quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, support services, and community-building activities. We offer a wide range of programs, including health services, mental health support, youth services, and cultural events, all aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. At IOOV, we are committed to promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities to thrive.

Company Description

In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ communities, with a focus on people of color. Our mission is to enhance the health, wellness, and overall quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, support services, and community-building activities. We offer a wide range of programs, including health services, mental health support, youth services, and cultural events, all aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. At IOOV, we are committed to promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities to thrive.