PRN EPFA Advocate in Topeka, Kansas at YWCA Northeast Kansas

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives.

Job Classification: Non-exempt

Work Schedule: Mutually determined – as fill in or back up for scheduled shelter staff shifts.

Salary Range: $5.00 p/hour when on standby and $17.00 p/hour when activated

Reporting Relationship: Shelter Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Shelter Manager, the PRN EPFA Advocate provides on-call, crisis-responsive advocacy to individuals seeking Emergency Protection from Abuse (EPFA) Orders. This position serves as a primary responder at the Topeka Law Enforcement Center, offering immediate, survivor-centered, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic, dating, and family violence.

This role operates in a PRN (as-needed) capacity, providing coverage during designated on-call shifts and responding when activated. The PRN EPFA Advocate plays a critical role in ensuring timely access to safety planning, information, and connection to services during high-risk moments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

EPFA Advocacy & Crisis Response

· Serves in an on-call capacity during assigned rotations, remaining available to respond to EPFA advocacy needs.

· Responds in person to the Topeka Law Enforcement Center to provide immediate support to individuals seeking Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders.

· Provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy, including safety planning, information sharing, and emotional support.

· Assists individuals in understanding the EPFA process and available options without directing or prescribing decisions.

· Supports both primary and secondary victims/survivors accessing services.

Screening, Intake & Documentation

· Conducts initial shelter screenings and intakes, as appropriate, to assess safety needs and eligibility for services.

· Documents all client interactions, services provided, and relevant information in accordance with program and funder requirements.

· Completes required logs, reports, and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

· Communicates critical information to oncoming staff or supervisors to support continuity of care.

Teamwork & Program Support

· Collaborates with shelter and CSE staff to ensure coordinated, consistent service delivery.

· Maintains knowledge of CSE services, community resources, and referral options.

· Participates in required trainings and maintains readiness to respond effectively in crisis situations.

· Actively supports and reflects the organization’s mission, values, and survivor-centered approach in all interactions.

· Completes all required timekeeping and administrative documentation.

Other Position Functions

· Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.

· Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.

· Performs other duties assigned by the supervisor or CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

The PRN EPFA Advocate shall have:

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis, including those impacted by domestic and dating violence.

· Commitment to survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy practices.

· Ability to work independently and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.

· Must be punctual and reliable.

· First Aid and CPR certification required within 180 days of hire.

· Dedication to relationship building and a commitment to working as an integral part of a team, while exercising significant initiative and autonomy.

· Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Work Environment: Office
• Lifting Requirement: 50 pounds
• Able to climb flights of stairs multiple times daily.
• Travel Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license.
• Transportation.
• Auto insurance.
• Travel throughout the multi-county rural service area required.
• Pass various background checks.
• Must be able to work a flexible work week schedule.

NON DISCRIMINATION

YWCA Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace. We recognize that systemic inequities impact many aspects of society, and we strive to address these through our policies, practices, and organizational culture. We believe that diversity in all its forms strengthens our mission and our work.

We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination.

We are also committed to fair hiring practices, including the consideration of qualified applicants with criminal records, in line with applicable laws and our values of second chances and community reintegration.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds — including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; gender-diverse individuals; survivors; and members of other historically underrepresented communities.