Supporting Victims of Crime-Crisis Response Advocate

About the role

This volunteer position offers valuable tools for navigating crisis and conflict by empowering and supporting survivors of abuse and trauma. Volunteers join a small, diverse team dedicated to the mission of health, justice, and hope. The Sexual Assault and Family Trauma Center, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, operates Spokane’s only Certified and Accredited Community Sexual Assault Program (CSAP) and provides confidential, free services such as information and referral, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, crisis intervention & support, education & prevention, and support groups.

Responsibilities

• Assist survivors via a 24‑hour support line, which can be answered from home.
• Provide medical advocacy for victims in person at area hospitals when requested.
• Offer information, referral, and legal advocacy to survivors.
• Deliver crisis intervention and emotional support.
• Participate in education, prevention initiatives, and support groups as needed.

Requirements

• Commit to a minimum of one year of service.
• Complete four evening or weekend shifts per month.
• Pass a thorough screening and vetting process.
• Be able to work from home for the support line and travel to hospitals for medical advocacy when required.
• Successfully complete the required 40‑hour core training and obtain certification.
• Hold the certification required by the Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy to serve as a victims’ advocate.

Training and Certification

Volunteers receive a comprehensive 40‑hour training class that provides a foundational understanding of sexual violence and basic skills for sexual assault service providers. This training includes certification required by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy and is provided free of charge. Ongoing supervision and 24‑hour support are available to all volunteers.

Schedule

• One‑year commitment.
• Four evening or weekend shifts per month.
• Flexibility to answer the 24‑hour support line from home.
• Availability for on‑site medical advocacy as needed.

Contact Information

For more information, please call (509) 747‑8224 or email crisisresponseteam@lcsnw.org.