Position Information
CONTACT Rape Crisis Center is seeking a community-focused candidate for immediate hire as a Victim Advocate for survivors of sexual assault and stalking.
Working at CONTACT is a uniquely rewarding experience in which our employees and volunteers work together to provide advocacy and support for victims of sexual assault and stalking.
Location: Point Pleasant, WV – In-office position with work-from-home possible for the right person who lives in Mason County, preferably close to Point Pleasant and the courts. Candidates must have a personal vehicle as they will be out in the community and at the hospitals helping survivors.
Position Overview
The Mason County Advocate will work independently in an outreach office as the only staff member in Mason County. Our headquarters office is in Huntington.
The Victim Advocate provides direct, trauma-informed advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and related crimes.
This role is community-focused and requires a strong local presence, with an emphasis on building and strengthening relationships with law enforcement, the court system, healthcare providers, and community partners.
This position is critical to ensuring survivors in Mason County receive consistent, compassionate support while also building trust and collaboration across systems.
Primary Responsibilities
Direct Client Services
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning for survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking, as well as for family members or loved ones.
- Offer in-person advocacy at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations.
- Accompany survivors to forensic exams and interviews.
- Provide information, referrals, and follow-up services to connect clients with counseling, housing, legal aid, and other community resources.
- Maintain confidential and accurate client files in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.
- Facilitate peer support groups for survivors of trauma in a variety of settings.
- Victim advocates generally serve survivors from ages 15 and up, but may be required to work with younger children as needed.
Hotline & On-Call Coverage
- Provide coverage for CONTACT’s 24-hour crisis hotline.
- May have on-call time as needed. This position will have on-call needs in the future.
- Assist with scheduling volunteers and staff to maintain consistent hotline coverage.
Community Relationship Building
- Develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with local law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, healthcare providers, and partner agencies
- Serve as a consistent, professional presence representing CONTACT in Mason County
- Rebuild and enhance trust between CONTACT and key community stakeholders
- Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and local collaborations
Community Engagement & Outreach
- Increase awareness of CONTACT’s services throughout Mason County
- Provide education and outreach to community partners and the public
- Identify gaps in services and advocate for improved systems of support for survivors
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in all required training, certification, and continuing education related to victim advocacy and trauma-informed care.
- Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring new volunteers and staff.
- Contribute to in-service trainings and staff development activities.
Program Support
- Track client data, service statistics, and activities for grant and reporting purposes.
- Assist in planning and implementing awareness events and prevention initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
Please note: these qualifications are for the right candidate. If you believe you can do this job, please apply even if you aren’t a “perfect” candidate. We celebrate having employees from diverse backgrounds.
- Degree or certificate in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Nursing, or a related field – comparable work or volunteer experience considered.
- Experience working with trauma survivors preferred; training provided for qualified candidates.
- Must live within 30 minutes of Point Pleasant, WV
- Strong ties to Mason County and knowledge of the local community required
- Experience working with law enforcement, courts, or social service systems strongly preferred
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently while representing the organization professionally
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle with up-to-date registration and insurance.
- Must be able to work professionally and with the highest ethics.
- Must have good computer skills, including email, video calls, troubleshooting, and general workplace applications.
- Must be able to maintain a good working relationship with people of various backgrounds, including lower-income people, those in active addiction or recovery, doctors, nurses, law enforcement, government officials, and employees of other organizations. CONTACT does not discriminate against any survivor of sexual violence or stalking.
- Must be able to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues.
- No background of violent crimes, crimes against children, or crimes that violate the Victims of Crime Act.
Preference is given to candidates with experience in Mason County courts, community-based organizations, or state and local government services.
The ideal candidate is empathetic, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to helping others heal. They balance emotional intelligence with professionalism, listen without judgment, and serve as a steady presence in moments of crisis.
Victim Advocates at CONTACT embody compassion, resilience, and the belief that healing is always possible.
We will not consider full-time students, graduate students who need to do practicums or internships, or other candidates who have inflexible schedules. This is a full-time position that doesn’t fit an easy 9-5 schedule.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay Range & Benefits:
- Pay in the $21/hr range
- 11 paid holidays per year
- 20 paid PTO days per year + an additional 5 days PTO after the first 5 years
- $450 health insurance premium stipend per month
- 401(k) plan with up to 3% match, fully vested
- Low-cost supplemental insurance, like vision, dental, life, or disability
- Professional development and training to become a certified victim advocate provided
- Annual cost-of-living raises if grant funding allows.
TO APPLY:
Interviews will begin soon. Please apply ASAP.
Applications must include a cover letter and resume.
Apply on our website at contacthuntington.com/careers
Please include in your cover letter why you are interested in this position and how your background & personality relate to the job qualifications. Highlight your accomplishments and what makes you suited for this position. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
We will contact you by the email on your application.
Planned interview schedule:
1. 15 – 30 minute virtual introductions
2. 1 hr in-person interviews
3. Possible follow up in-person interview depending on the number of qualified candidates
Training will take place in Huntington, WV. Applicants must be able to be in-person in Huntington during their training period.
Please apply on our website: https://contacthuntington.com/careers/
