Become a State-Certified Crisis Counselor Advocate

Strength United is currently recruiting for our Fall 2026 Sexual Assault Counselor Advocate training , and we’d love to have you join us!

About Us & The Advocacy Role:

StrengthUnited is a non-profit charter of California State University Northridge (CSUN) and has served the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley communities for the past 30 years, working with individuals of all ages who have experienced interpersonal or gender-based violence.

We recruit volunteers to help staff our 24-hour, 365 days/year crisis hotline. Calls come from members of the community who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or child sexual abuse. We also receive calls from community members who want general information and referrals for assistance for themselves or a loved one. Our Volunteers also accompany survivors of rape and sexual assault/child sexual abuse to forensic examinations in our Family Justice Center (one of a kind in Los Angeles County!)

Benefits of Volunteering:

• After completion of the 60-hr SACA training, Volunteers become state certified Sexual Assault Counselor Advocates.
• Provide direct services to survivors via our 24hr hotline and response services.
• Enhance knowledge of sexual assault, human trafficking, CSA, intimate partner stalking, and other topics relating to violence.
• Become a representative of a community & survivor-centered organization.
• Give back to communities impacted by violence.
• No previous experience is needed.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Complete a 60-hour State Certified Sexual Assault Counselor Advocate (SACA) training
• Undergo a criminal background check before training
• Commit to a minimum of one year of service.
• Commit to one, 6.5-hour shift per week
• Able to arrive to our Van Nuys Family Justice Center within 30 minutes
• Attend one supervision meeting a month

Training Details & Fees:

• Training Dates:
  • Training begins on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 and Graduationis on Sunday, October 4th, 2026 . We only train for 4 weekends!
    • Saturdays from 9:00am-5:00pm , and on
    • Sundays from 9:00am-5:00pm
  • All trainings will be held in-person at our Van Nuys Family Justice Center .
• Fees :
  • Mandatory 60-hour training with an $88 fee , and an optional payment plan . This covers training materials, presenters, and Live Scan background checks.
  • Fee waivers and scholarships are available upon request and approved at the discretion of StrengthUnited management. Feel free to reach out for more information on fee waivers or scholarships.
  • Please read below for more information:
    • In recognition of the stress and uncertainty many members of our community are currently navigating, StrengthUnited has made the decision to reduce the SACA training fee from $175 to $88 . This adjustment reflects our commitment to accessibility and our desire to support those who may be directly or indirectly impacted by ongoing events affecting our immigrant communities, communities of color, and others experiencing heightened stress or harm within the broader social climate. StrengthUnited believes that advocacy spaces should remain accessible to those who are closest to the work and to the communities most impacted by violence and injustice. By reducing this cost, we hope to lessen financial barriers and encourage participation from individuals who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to community healing.
    • If the adjusted fee still presents a barrier, we have included additional options such as scholarships and payment plans, which are available upon request.

Next Steps:

If you’re interested, please send us your resume and completed application (attached) to

Deadline to submit applications is Friday, August 28th.

Once I receive your application and resume, I will follow up with more information on our interview process.

Thank you for your interest in supporting survivors of Sexual Assault! We truly couldn't do this work without the help of our incredible Interns and Volunteers!