Child Welfare/Domestic Violence Liaison (Anderson, Roane, Loudon, and Knox Counties) chez YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley

Description

Overview

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women across East Tennessee. Every day, we put this mission into action through life-saving and life-changing programs that support women, children, and families in six counties. Rooted in the values of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity, we work to strengthen communities and create opportunities for all. We are a dynamic, mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. Join a passionate team making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

The Child Welfare/Domestic Violence Liaison provides trauma-informed advocacy, consultation, and case coordination for survivors of domestic violence involved with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). This role bridges the gap between domestic violence service providers and child welfare professionals, ensuring survivor-centered, safety-focused approaches that promote healing and stability for non-offending parents and their children. The ideal candidate is empathetic, adaptable, and skilled at building partnerships across systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy & Direct Support

• Provide confidential, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered advocacy for victims of domestic violence engaged with DCS.
• Support survivors in developing safety plans, connecting with an advocate, accessing community resources, and pursuing shelter.
• Attend Child and Family Team Meetings and home visits with DCS staff to ensure survivor strengths and safety needs are central to planning.
• Maintain a nonjudgmental approach that empowers survivors to make their own informed decisions.
• Facilitate domestic violence support groups and provide DV 101 training as assigned.

System Collaboration & Consultation

• Serve as a liaison between YWCA, DCS, courts, law enforcement, and community partners to enhance coordination and resource access.
• Consult with DCS staff to identify the perpetrator’s coercive control patterns and highlight survivor protective factors.
• Provide coaching and training to DCS staff on survivor-centered and perpetrator-accountability practices.
• Collaborate with DCS technical assistance providers to implement best practices for cross-system collaboration.
• Participate in regular trainings to enhance knowledge of child welfare protocols and trauma-informed approaches.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Represent YWCA Victim Services at community meetings, collaborative initiatives, and coordinated response efforts.
• Provide public education presentations and professional training to partners and community groups. 
• Engage in a minimum of two outreach events per month to strengthen partnerships and increase awareness of available services.
• Assist with agency-wide outreach initiatives, including community education and domestic violence awareness activities.
• Assist in planning and participating in YWCA’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign and community events.

Program Operations & Documentation

• Collect and input accurate data into Empower for reporting and grant compliance.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential case documentation in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
• Support quarterly and annual reporting by providing data, success stories, and outcome measures.
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness through outcome tracking and survivor feedback.
• Assist the Director of Victim Services with special projects and program development as needed.
• Ensure all services and documentation comply with VAWA, HIPAA, and other confidentiality policies and regulations.

Team Collaboration and Professional Development

• Actively contribute to Victim Services team meetings, agency wide meetings and events and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Participate in regular supervision and debriefings with the Director of Victim Services.
• Mentor interns or new advocates when assigned, modeling professionalism and trauma-informed best practices.
• Engage in at least two professional development trainings per year to enhance advocacy and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Candidates with a high school diploma and 5+ years of relevant experience will be considered; lived experience is valued.
• Experience in domestic violence advocacy, child welfare, or trauma-informed case management.
• Knowledge of DCS and court systems, as well as local community resources.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain professionalism in high-stress environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and antiracism principles.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $45,000-$47,500 annually

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (37.5 hours/week; 30-minute unpaid break)

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, mental health days, 10 holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.

To Apply

Apply online at www.ywcaknox.com

Application Deadline: Friday, November 28, 2025

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is an equal opportunity employer and a proud United Way community partner. We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We strongly encourage women, veterans, and individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply.