PROJECT SAGE IS HIRING
On-Call Hotline advocate
Location: Remote | Per-Diem
JOB DESCRIPTION
Who We Are
Project SAGE is a domestic violence prevention education agency in northwest Connecticut. Our mission is to create social change by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms. We envision a world where everyone can be themselves, have healthy relationships, and live free from interpersonal relationship violence. We are a compassionate, committed team working toward a safer, more just future.
At Project SAGE, every role contributes to building healthy relationships—both internally and externally in our community. As a small team, all staff members are expected to contribute to the overall functioning and wellbeing of the agency. Our core principles are: cooperation and mutual respect, collaboration and communication, and strength in diversity.
Who You Are
As the On-Call Hotline Advocate, you are a compassionate, calm, and dependable professional who provides critical support to survivors of domestic violence during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-business hours. You understand that individuals reaching out to our hotline may be experiencing crisis, uncertainty, or fear, and you meet each person with empathy, respect, and a commitment to survivor empowerment.
You are comfortable responding to complex situations, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and helping individuals access emergency shelter and community resources. You can think clearly under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and maintain strict confidentiality while providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy.
You are an effective communicator who works collaboratively with community partners, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and agency staff to support client safety and wellbeing. Whether responding by phone or in person, you are committed to helping survivors navigate difficult circumstances with dignity, respect, and self-determination.
Most importantly, you are passionate about Project SAGE's mission and dedicated to creating a safer community for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the Director of Client Services, you will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter access, and support services to survivors of domestic violence during after-hours coverage periods.
Hotline Response & Crisis Intervention (40–45%) Serve as a member of the rotating hotline coverage team, responding to calls received through Project SAGE's 24-hour hotline during evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays.
Shelter Access & Client Advocacy (25–30%) Facilitate intake and admission to Project SAGE's emergency shelter program and coordinate referrals to partner shelter programs when needed.
Community Response & Client Support (15–20%) Respond in person when required, including collaboration with Connecticut State Police through Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) referrals and response to calls from Sharon Hospital.
Documentation & Agency Support (10–15%) Complete timely documentation, shift reports, statistical tracking, and communication with daytime advocacy staff regarding client needs and follow-up activities. You will also participate in agency meetings, trainings, outreach activities, and fundraising events, including Trade Secrets and the Annual Vigil.
What You Will Bring
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, child development, social work, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience working with individuals and families in crisis.
Crisis Intervention Skills: Experience providing crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, case management, or related direct services to vulnerable populations.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Understanding of domestic violence dynamics, survivor-centered advocacy, safety planning, and the impact of trauma on individuals and families.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately in stressful situations.
Collaboration & Resource Coordination: Ability to work effectively with community partners, service providers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and internal staff.
Documentation & Organization: Ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation in a timely manner, and manage multiple priorities independently.
Equity & Inclusion: Commitment to culturally responsive, accessible, and inclusive services for clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Preferred: Bilingual and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Special Requirements
Willingness to obtain and maintain certification as a Domestic Violence Counselor as required by Connecticut statute (training provided by Project SAGE)
Ability to work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled
Ability to respond in person within the Region 1 service area when required during coverage shifts
Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance
Ability and willingness to transport clients using an agency or personal vehicle when necessary
Commitment to maintaining strict client confidentiality and complying with mandated reporting requirements
Physical Expectations
Ability to work in an office environment using standard office equipment; communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically; move throughout office and community locations (including stairs); sit or stand for extended periods; and occasionally lift, move, or carry up to 30 pounds without assistance. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
We Offer
Compensation: Competitive hourly on-call rate based on experience and qualifications.
Schedule: Per diem, non-exempt position providing evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hotline coverage.
Meaningful Work: An opportunity to provide life-changing support to survivors and families during moments of crisis.
Professional Growth: Domestic violence counselor certification training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to strengthen advocacy and crisis response skills.
Supportive Culture: A workplace rooted in compassion, collaboration, inclusion, and courage — where your work is valued, and your growth is supported.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@project-sage.org with the subject line: On-Call Hotline Advocate.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single qualification. If you're enthusiastic about the role and our mission, we want to hear from you!
Project SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.