Job Title: Community Advocate (1.0 FTE)
Department: Hennepin County Attorney’s Office – Victim Services Division / Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid: County facilities and remote work as assigned)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Contracted Service Position)

Reporting Structure: Joint supervision between Phumulani Minnesota African Women and the Managing Attorney of the Victim Services Division (or designee)
Position Summary
The Community Advocate provides direct advocacy, crisis intervention, and support services to survivors of domestic abuse and related victimization within the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC). The role supports victims navigating legal systems, particularly Order for Protection proceedings, while coordinating with legal staff and community-based service providers.
The advocate operates as part of a collaborative service model between the contractor and county systems, delivering trauma-informed and culturally responsive advocacy services in both office-based and court settings.
This is a full-time non-exempt position at Phumulani. The Advocate’s time will be spent primarily at the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC), which is located in downtown Minneapolis. This person provides crisis management, legal advocacy, support and assistance with Orders for Protection, handles walk-ins and directly reports to Hennepin County.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Client Advocacy & Support
● Provide crisis intervention, and ongoing support to victims of domestic abuse.
● Conduct risk assessments and assist clients in developing individualized safety plans.
● Support victims in filing Order for Protections (OFP) and navigating related court proceedings.
● Deliver trauma-informed advocacy services at DASC.
● Support survivors with immigration relief measures, especially related to domestic
● violence.
Crisis Intervention & Case Coordination
● Respond to immediate client needs within a crisis support framework.
● Coordinate services across internal county systems and external community agencies.
● Serve as a liaison between victims and community-based organizations.
Administrative & Operational Duties
● Assist DASC staff with office operations and administrative tasks.
● Maintain accurate case notes, records, and required statistical reporting.
● Ensure timely documentation in compliance with county and contractor policies.
Interpreting & Communication Support
● Provide interpretation and translation services as needed to support advocacy work and service delivery.
Training & Meetings
● Participate in orientation, ongoing training, and staff meetings (up to 8 hours/month unless otherwise approved at contracted agency).
● Attend required meetings coordinated by DASC and supervisory staff.
Collaboration & Coordination
● Work collaboratively with county personnel, including attorneys and victim services staff.
● Participate in coordinated supervision and performance evaluation processes.
Reporting & Supervision
● Joint supervision by:
o Contractor leadership (Phumulani Minnesota African Women)
o Victim Services Division (or designee)
● Work priorities, case assignments, and performance evaluation are determined collaboratively, with final prioritization authority resting with the county.
Work Environment
● Combination of onsite work at county facilities and remote service delivery.
● May be required to work in court environments and crisis response settings.
● Must comply with all county facility access and security policies.
Core Competencies
● Trauma-informed victim advocacy
● Crisis intervention and safety planning
● Cultural responsiveness and community-based service delivery
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills
● Ability to work in high-stress, emotionally complex environments
● Collaboration across legal, social service, and community systems
● .Maintain current knowledge of relevant community resources
Minimum Requirements (Implied from Contract Scope)
● Education and experience
● › High school diploma or GED and two years of experience in an intervention setting.
● › Or a combination of equivalent experience and education
● Experience in victim advocacy, social services, or related field
● Knowledge of domestic violence issues preferred.
● Ability to support survivors of domestic violence and trauma
● Competence in crisis response and risk assessment
● Ability to listen and resolve conflicts effectively.
● Must be able to model violence-free behavior
● Ability to work within structured legal and governmental environments
● Strong documentation and reporting skills
● Ability to provide interpretation/translation support (preferred where applicable)
Additional Conditions
● Must comply with data privacy requirements under Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
● Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive client and legal information.
● Subject to background checks, compliance policies, and county approval processes.
● Must participate in required training and adhere to county and contractor policies.
Send your resume and cover letter to comfort.dondo@phumulani.org