Bilingual Gender-Based Advocate

OVERVIEW:

Provide culturally responsive support, advocacy, referral, and assistance to survivors of color who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or commercial sexual exploitation.  Services are provided in Spanish and English. This position is responsible for crisis intervention, safety planning, outreach and education, and planning and facilitating weekly support group sessions for survivors. The Advocate works collaboratively with other domestic violence, sexual assault, and community agencies to ensure seamless response to survivors’ needs. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Provide support, advocacy, referrals, case management, crisis intervention, and safety planning services to survivors in Spanish and English. 
• Assist survivors with accessing emergency assistance, legal and immigration support, and other community services. 
• Conduct bilingual community outreach and education and facilitate weekly support-group sessions. 
• Maintain accurate participant documentation and complete required reports and paperwork to meet contract requirements. 
• Maintain survivor confidentiality and collaborate with community providers to ensure a seamless response to survivors’ needs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Survivor Advocacy & Support

• Provide support, advocacy, referrals, and case management services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
• Work with survivors to create, implement, monitor, and update individual safety plans.
• Assist survivors in emergency situations with obtaining shelter, financial assistance, and other basic needs.
• Assist survivors with accessing legal and immigration services, including referrals for U visas, T visas, and VAWA self-petitions.
• Connect survivors with job training, counseling, housing, medical services, and other community resources.
• Set up appointments and provide transportation to and from appointments as needed.

Outreach & Collaboration

• Conduct domestic violence and sexual assault community outreach and education in Spanish and English.
• Recruit participants and work with program staff to facilitate weekly support-group sessions.
• Work with legal providers to help survivors navigate multiple systems.
• Network with community providers to help survivors access appropriate resources.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate participant files, progress notes, and data entry.
• Submit timely monthly reports and paperwork to meet contract requirements.
• Maintain survivor confidentiality in accordance with VAWA, FVPSA, VOCA, and agency policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Gender-Based Violence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION : Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENC : Minimum of two years of paid experience working with survivors of domestic violence. Experience working with culturally diverse populations, primarily African American and Hispanic women.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Fluent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish and English. 
• Completion of 20 to 30 hours of training in domestic violence and sexual assault, with continuing education as required. 
• Knowledge of contributing factors related to gender-based violence among African American survivors and other survivors of color. 
• Knowledge of best practices for addressing survivors’ needs and supporting equitable outcomes. 
• Demonstrated advocacy skills and ability to navigate multiple systems to ensure seamless services. 
• Ability to navigate and handle complicated situations. 
• Ability to identify and understand the broader context of a situation. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment and take initiative. 
• Strong organizational and outreach skills. 
• Ability to respect others’ experiences, opinions, languages, values, cultures, and knowledge. 
• Ability to work effectively with communities of color and people from cultures different from one’s own. 
• Commitment to empowering families and survivors from diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment. 
• Ability to participate in continuing education related to advocacy-based domestic violence counseling for survivors and their children.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Hours: Between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with some evenings and weekends as needed
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Must pass a criminal background check prior to hire
• Position requires driving whenever necessary to meet program needs, including travel between multiple work sites within a day. A valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance is required upon employment.

Atlantic Street Center (ASC) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, immigration or citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please reach out to Human Resources.