Job Description

Make a difference with VOA Oregon! For over 125 years, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Through our programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we provide life-changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment.


Join a mission-driven organization that truly values its employees! This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, including:

Comprehensive health coverage

- medical, dental, and vision insurance, with an employee medical premium starting at just $12.50 per paycheck

Financial protection

- life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance

Retirement security

- 403(b) with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months, regardless of employee participation

Work-life balance

- a generous paid time off (PTO) plan, starting with accruals that earn 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second, and 26 days in the third

Upfront sick leave - 80 hours of front-loaded sick time (prorated in the first year), which resets annually on January 1

Paid holidays

- 10 paid holidays each year, plus three personal holidays (prorated in the first year) for employees to take time off to celebrate holidays, events, or milestones that matter most to them

Student loan forgiveness

- As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which can help employees reduce or eliminate their federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying payments.

Additional perks

- flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and other voluntary benefits and discounts


At VOA Oregon, you'll be part of a compassionate and dedicated team, making a real difference in our community. Apply today!

Position Close Date: 10/31/2025

The Court Advocate

provides both in-person and remote services for survivors filing protection orders in Multnomah County. At the courthouse, the advocate assists survivors in filing protection orders in person, works with those referred by the courthouse or Legal Resource Center, and accompanies survivors to their ex parte or contested restraining order hearings. Remote support includes responding to hotline calls for protection order services and assisting survivors with protection order filing virtually. Additional responsibilities include offering emotional support, conducting safety and stabilization assessments, safety planning, advocacy, and system navigation for domestic violence survivors on both a short-term and ongoing basis. Preferred candidates will have lived experience or professional experience working with domestic and sexual violence survivors.

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, women's and gender studies, or a related human services field is preferred. An associate degree and one year of relevant experience, or a high school diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience or lived experience navigating domestic and/or sexual violence, may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

In addition to the education requirement, this position requires experience providing supportive services, advocacy, or case management within community-based, social service, or crisis response settings is strongly preferred. This includes experience working with individuals impacted by domestic or sexual violence, or individuals from historically marginalized or underserved communities. Experience building and sustaining collaborative community partnerships, supporting individuals in navigating complex systems, or delivering culturally responsive services is highly valued. Candidates must demonstrate a willingness to learn in areas such as housing advocacy, systems navigation, and equitable service delivery, if not already experienced. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used to satisfy these requirements.

Essential Job Duties Specific to the Court Advocate:

Responsible for meeting all Legal and Court Program component objectives stipulated by the contract(s) funding this position. Provide legal and court assistance and supportive services to survivors in Multnomah County. Assist survivors in-person, on site in the Multnomah County Protection Order room at the Downtown Circuit courthouse. Return calls to help survivors on our Protection Order Hotline Provide direct support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence to include systems navigation, court accompaniment, needs assessments, linkages to community resources, danger assessments and safety planning, and other services as needed. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Multnomah County Court staff and judges, Family Court Services, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's office, community groups, social service agencies, and other partners. Support and co-advocate with Home Free staff across programs, including hotline and court services. Provide information about crime victim rights, protective orders, prosecution, and family law legal options. Provide information and systems navigation in requestion Reasonable Accommodations within the Courthouse. Provide petitioners with logistical information on civil legal remedies, civil and criminal justice systems, appropriate community resources, and the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence. Work with the Legal and Court Advocacy team to provide specialized training for community partners

Essential Job Duties of all Home Free Advocates

Provide survivor-centered and family-centered confidential advocacy through crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support to promote survivor well-being and autonomy in alignment with trauma-informed and voluntary service principles. Support survivors through legal processes by explaining procedures in accessible terms and preparing them for legal proceedings. Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify survivor goals, risks, and strengths, and develop individualized plans that enhance safety, stabilization, and connection to appropriate supports. Offer long-term support to help survivors build toward self-sufficiency and self-advocacy. Offer systems navigation and resource referrals to internal and external services, such as housing, legal, healthcare, culturally specific organizations, and economic empowerment resources, as well as information concerning survivor rights, protective orders, court processes (including online filing platforms), and other civil and criminal justice resources. Engage in trauma-informed case management that includes short- and long-term support, tracking progress, and adapting plans to evolving survivor needs to ensure continuity and quality of care. Bridge the gap between survivors and complex, multi-layered systems by offering consistent emotional support and practical guidance. Collaborate with community partners and service providers, including court staff, law enforcement, and legal aid, to advocate for survivor access, increase culturally responsive services, and strengthen referral networks. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, case notes, and required reports to ensure compliance with funding and organizational standards and to support data-informed program evaluation. Support community engagement and education efforts through outreach, public education, or prevention activities to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence and available services. Participate in internal team collaboration and case consultation to ensure consistent application of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethical advocacy practices. Manage administrative responsibilities such as checking email, responding to phone calls, managing appointment schedules, and maintaining timely documentation. Engage in regular supervision and program meetings to receive feedback, enhance skills, and contribute to team-based service delivery. Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to maintain certification and improve service delivery. Uphold ethical communication, confidentiality, and survivor privilege protections in accordance with Home Free policies and Oregon law to protect survivors' safety and agency. Perform other duties as assigned.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Must obtain Advocate Privilege State Certification within the first two weeks of hire. Must successfully pass a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the State of Oregon's Background Clearing House. Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list. Must obtain Advocate Privileged State Certification within the first two weeks of hire. Bilingual (Spanish-English) required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities specific to the Bilingual Coordinated Access Advocate:

Knowledge of local housing and shelter systems and the barriers survivors face accessing those services. Ability to adapt and pivot quickly in response to shelter openings and urgent survivor needs.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities of all Home Free Advocate

Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics, including systemic injustices and survivor-centered advocacy approaches. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and voluntary service delivery models. Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and culturally specific organizations. Knowledge of legal, housing, healthcare, and social service systems, including civil court procedures, protection order processes, and online filing tools. Knowledge of confidentiality and ethical standards, including advocate privilege and VAWA protections. Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, active listening, risk assessment, suicide prevention, and conflict resolution. Skilled in conducting safety planning and risk assessments. Skilled in written and verbal communication for documentation, partner engagement, and survivor relationship building. Skilled in discussing domestic/sexual violence and systemic oppression with partners and community members. Skilled in promoting an inclusive, culturally responsive environment. Skilled in interpersonal adaptability and emotional intelligence to collaborate with diverse individuals and partners. Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel). Skilled in public speaking, facilitation, and community engagement. Skilled in tracking, reporting, and interpreting program data. Skilled in recognizing and addressing vicarious trauma and practicing self-care. Skilled in community networking and collaboration. Ability to independently manage time, multitask, and adapt to changing circumstances. Ability to promote a feedback culture supporting inclusivity and belonging. Ability to engage in ongoing learning and adapt to evolving best practices. Ability to work respectfully with diverse individuals and collaborate across sectors.

VOA Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature, responsibilities, and level of work required for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Duties may evolve to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.