Direct Service Advocate: 2SLGBTQIA+ Focus
Position: Direct Service Advocate: 2SLGBTQIA+ Focus
Hours: 40 hours/week; primarily weekdays, occasional evenings and weekends
Reports to: Co-Director of Services (ES)
Location: Advocacy Center
Compensation: $20/hour, generous paid time off, 10 paid holidays, 100% employer paid health, vision and dental insurance for employee and dependents; FSA and HSA options, retirement plan options with 3% employer match after 1-year of employment
Who is The Harbor
The Harbor is Clatsop County’s primary community-based advocacy service for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and stalking. Established in 1976 as a crisis line, our services have evolved to include a 24-hour support line and 24/7 crisis response, a drop-in advocacy center, confidential shelter, and wrap around services like support groups, legal support, and mental health services. Our services are all free and confidential. We work from a trauma-informed empowerment model, which means we believe survivors are experts in their own lives and can make the best decisions for their own lives.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage those who meet the basic requirements of the position to apply regardless of whether you meet every criterion. All persons of every race, ethnic background, spiritual belief, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or personal ability, are equally affirmed into membership, leadership and employment at The Harbor and are joyfully welcomed.
Position Purpose
The Direct Service Advocate will provide on-site advocacy services to drop-in clients at The Harbor’s Advocacy Center and shelter. This position has a specific focus on supporting our culturally specific 2SLGBTQIA+ programs and services. Services will reflect our mission to provide advocacy, prevention, and support to promote self-determination and hope for survivors of sexual violence.
With support from the Co-Director of Services (ES), you will foster creating and maintaining a confidential, safe, and supportive space for all clients at our drop-in advocacy center and shelter, with an emphasis on providing culturally specific support to 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors. This includes providing one-on-one advocacy services such as safety planning, crisis intervention, peer support, and information and referrals, providing relevant 2SLGBTQIA+ resources and training to advocates, and sharing the work of The Harbor with community members and partners.
Responsibilities
Provide confidential, trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to survivors that promote positive outcomes in alignment with Advocacy Program goals
Provide one-time and on-going case management advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence with a focus on culturally specific services for 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors
Provide occasional on-call advocacy for in-person emergency response
Work with participants to develop personalized safety plans
Utilize standardized screening tools to connect participants with resources for shelter and housing, the Crime Victims Compensation Program, and the Address Confidentiality Program
Maintain accurate participant files
Stay informed of community resources and coordinated community responses
Receive continuing education and training regarding serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking with an emphasis on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, including barriers to accessing services, primary aggressor assessments and the myth of mutual abuse
Provide staff with resources and education around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for The Harbor’s mission and programs by participating in local taskforces and collaborating with partner agencies to improve sexual assault response
Create at least one social media post related to 2SLGBTQIA+ intimate partner violence issues monthly
Attend weekly required all-staff meetings
Other tasks and projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Core values that align with the mission of The Harbor, including a personal and professional commitment to anti-oppression and anti-racism work
At least 1-year of experience working in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Flexibility and ability to adapt to project needs
Independent, self-motivated worker
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Openness to learning new concepts, approaches, and skills
Strong computer technology skills, including Microsoft Office programs. Ability to learn new technology systems and implement within scope of duties.
Valid driver’s license and transportation
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in community assessment
Experience with public speaking or presentation facilitation
Bilingual and/or bicultural
1 or more years of project management experience
Work Environment
The candidate must be able to work under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions, and should be capable of lifting at least 25 pounds, climbing stairs, kneeling, standing, walking, operating a vehicle, and moving throughout our building, shelter, partner agency locations, and other sites as needed.
As the atmosphere in a domestic violence agency can shift rapidly from stable to highly charged, all employees must remain flexible, calm, and creative.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) 3% Match
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Evenings as needed
Monday to Friday
On call
Rotating weekends
Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Relocate:
Astoria, OR 97103: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person