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

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

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