Policy Advocate (SART/SAKI)

The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) Is Maryland’s sexual assault coalition and includes the State’s rape crisis centers and others concerned with ending sexual violence. Our mission is to help prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible, compassionate care for survivors of sexual violence, and work to hold offenders accountable.We believe we cannot successfully serve others if we do not take care of ourselves. MCASA staff are encouraged to practice self-care and are supported in finding a positive work-life balance. This position, along with the rest of the agency, will entail significant virtual work and allows for flexible scheduling. Employees are expected to be available to travel to the MCASA office in Silver Spring within 90 minutes or live within the State of Maryland. While many job duties may be performed virtually, some are in person. This may include on-site meetings, meetings with stakeholders or community members, court proceedings, or other in-person events. Employees may choose to work in the MCASA offices subject to COVID risk reduction protocols.Position OverviewThe Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) is looking for a Policy Advocate (SART / SAKI). This position works as part of the Sexual Assault Legal Institute, a program within the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, to provide direct services to sexual assault survivors impacted by the sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK) backlog in Maryland. The Policy Advocate also provides support to Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs), advocates, law enforcement, and allied professionals through training and technical assistance. Administrative duties include assisting with grants management and maintaining victim notification preferences using a client database.This is a full-time position that reports to the MCASA SART / SAKI Program Manager.Responsibilities and DutiesProvide high quality, culturally competent legal advocacy for survivors of sexual assault affected by the sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK) backlog in Maryland.Conduct victim notifications and initial interviews (intakes) with survivors of sexual assault impacted by the SAEK backlog in Maryland.Maintain client case notes and victim notification preferences within the notification database.Assist in the creation of victim notification individual plans and coordinate victim notification with law enforcement SAKI liaisons and victim advocates.Provide technical assistance and training to SARTs, law enforcement agencies, advocates, and other professionals regarding victim notification and SAEK rights.Provide support and technical assistance to existing and emerging Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) to further their work and support establishment of SARTs in all jurisdictions in Maryland.Participate in forums and meetings related to SALI and SAKI activities, including SART case reviews and provide guidance and technical assistance as needed.Address emerging issues related to sexual assault response and SAEKs.Coordinate and develop culturally competent outreach materials and arrange for appropriate translation of current SAKI literature.Provide safety planning for survivors.Assist in production of training and technical assistance materials.Collect data needed for grant reports or other reasons; assist in report preparation using Legal Server database.Increase Maryland’s SAKI Project, MCASA, and SALI presence on social media and improve legal information available on MCASA’s agency-wide website.Comply with or assist others in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (legal ethics).GeneralCollect data and prepare grant reports.Support effective agency communications including, for example, listservs, social media, e-newsletter, conference calls, etc.Produce, provide, and facilitate trainings for both large and small groups of professionals.Prioritize and fulfill responsibilities in accordance with available funding and grant requirements.Produce, update and distribute electronic and tangible materials including announcements, brochures, booklets, fact sheets, press releases, and other outreach.Provide technical assistance to Maryland’s Rape Crisis & Recover Centers, MCASA members and professionals working with survivors.Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or SART / SAKI Program Manager.QualificationsCommitment to ending sexual violence.Bachelor’s degree, AA in Paralegal Studies, or equivalent experience required. Recent JDs considered only if committed to outreach and other responsibilities that may not fall under an attorney’s usual duties AND committed to non-attorney position for significant period of time.Relevant course work and / or experience in addressing sexual violence, the criminal justice system, victim services, women’s studies, or policy.Planning, technical assistance, and project management skills.Strong communication skills – verbal or written, with individuals and among groups including those with differing professional background such as law enforcement and attorneys. Ability to speak publicly and to groups – performing arts or debating experience preferred.Common sense and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.Fluent in English; conversant in Spanish or other language strongly preferred.Familiar with the national sexual assault evidence kit backlog issues and effective responses, including victim notification preferred.Understanding of and experience with providing trauma-informed and victim centered services.Skilled and enthusiastic about developing ways to share legal information via technology, including social media and website.Familiarity with LegalServer or commitment to learn database.Access to a car and valid driver’s license; this position requires travel within the State of Maryland. May be required to work in a Family Justice Center 1-2 / week. Out of state travel required 1-3 times annually.Knowledge and / or previous work experience with sexual assault related issues preferred.Classification : Non-ExemptSalary : Individuals holding a comparable position at the time of this posting receive compensation ranging from $47,000 – $54,000 (depending on experience) and the salary for this position is expected to fall within this range.MCASA is committed to transparency, fairness, and equity in the hiring process. Compensation is determined based on education and work experience, victim services experience, and language skills. MCASA values a range of life and work experiences and encourages people to apply for positions they believe they are a good fit for even if there are aspects of the job that they will have to learn.MCASA sets salary ranges being attentive to compensation levels throughout the agency, equity, and skill levels. The agency is mindful of the need to use objective criteria to ensure that new employees and current staff with similar credentials are paid fairly and the agency does not negotiate salaries with individual employees or applicants. MCASA does not consider prior salary history of applicants and requests that applicants omit this information from application materials.MCASA’s current benefits include : 80% health insurance premium (3 plans to choose from)100% of vision and dental insurance premiumsFlexible work environment, including hybrid work, flexible hours, and supportive colleagues40-hour work week including paid one-hour lunchesPaid sick and safe leaveTwelve paid holidaysPaid vacation beginning at 10 days the first 12 months, increasing to 15 days the following year, with additional set increases over time.Three additional floating holidays during the winter holiday seasons (12 / 15 – 1 / 7)Two personal days annuallyNon-exempt employees : Overtime after 40 hours (note this is legally required, not a true benefit)Other reasons you will love working at MCASA : Organizational commitment to survivor justice, sexual assault prevention, and offender accountabilityOrganizational culture that is inclusive, supportive, and purposefulBalance between individual and collaborative workProfessional development opportunities inside and outside the agencyPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to travel to and from different locations within the State of Maryland.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Commitment to DiversityMCASA is an equal opportunity employer. Its policy of nondiscrimination means that all employment decisions will be based on merit and without regard to factors unrelated to job performance, such as ethnicity, creed, marital status, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional or mental capacity.Note to Potential Applicants : Applicants do not need to possess all of the listed qualifications. Research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they do not meet all of the listed qualifications. If you don’t meet all qualifications but think you would be a good fit for the position, please apply.MCASA values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, people with disabilities, and / or people who identify as LGBTQI are strongly encouraged to apply. Our ideal candidate will share our passion and commitment to believing and supporting survivors, holding people who cause harm accountable, and taking action to end sexual assault in Maryland. We also expect that all members of our organization recognize that sexual violence and oppression are intricately linked and are dedicated to grappling with the complexities of societal power and privilege in order to create an inclusive movement to end sexual violence. Candidates must be able to recognize personal biases and address them productively, as well as communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, groups, and organizations.To apply : send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to jobs@mcasa.org. No phone calls, please.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary : $47,000 - $54,000