Open Positions

Hours: 40 hours/wk; primarily weekdays, occasional evenings and weekends; grant funded through December 2023 with the possibility of an extension

Compensation: $18.00/hr, generous paid time off, 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance, 10 paid holidays, retirement plan options with up to 3% employer match after 1-year of employment

 

Position Purpose

The LGBTQIA+ Advocate will be primarily responsible for advocacy for youth and teen survivors of sexual violence, in addition to providing on-site advocacy services to drop-in clients at The Harbor’s Advocacy Center.  Services will reflect our mission to provide advocacy, prevention, and support to promote self-determination and hope for survivors of sexual violence. This position has a specific focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ sexual assault survivors by providing culturally specific outreach and support.

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All of our services are free and confidential. We work from a trauma-informed empowerment model, which means we believe that survivors are the experts in their own lives and have the ability to 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 criteria. 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. 

 

Scope of Duties

With support from the Deputy Director, work towards the goals of the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) grant, including: creating and maintaining a confidential, safe, and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ sexual assault survivors and clients at our drop-in advocacy center; providing one-on-one advocacy services that may include safety planning, crisis intervention, peer support, and information and referral; connecting survivors to other social services and resources; and sharing the work of The Harbor with community members and partners.

 

General 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 sexual assault 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

• 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

• Attend weekly required all-staff meetings

• Other tasks and projects as assigned

 

Specific Responsibilities

• Maintain professional competency by attending trainings, webinars, and conferences to stay up to date on best practices for supporting survivors of sexual violence, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ survivors

• Facilitate or seek out sexual violence related or LGBTQIA+ specific training for staff at least once per quarter

• Attend weekly youth group meetings at the Q Center to be available for disclosures and support

• Provide in-person crisis response to or schedule follow-up with student sexual assault survivors referred by The Harbor Prevention Team

• Facilitate a sexual assault support group according to the needs of survivors in our community

• Organize a staff committee to delegate annual Sexual Assault Action Month (April) and Pride Month (June) activities, outreach, and social media content creation

• Create or find resources (printed materials, website or social media content, literature, online support groups, etc.) specific to LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual violence, and sexual violence survivors from the general population

• Participate in the Enhancing Sexual Assault Services Initiative cohort, working to complete the programs projects and goals during downtime

• Coordinate with local artists, writers, and poets to provide a quarterly workshop for sexual assault survivors; seek out opportunities for these projects to be displayed in the community (Astoria Artwalk, Fisher Poets, a survivor stories page on our website, etc.)

• Create and implement policies, procedures, and tracking measures for the youth peer advocacy program

 

Required Qualifications and 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 professional experience providing culturally-specific services to LGBTQIA+ individuals OR 1-year of experience working with survivors of sexual violence OR relevant lived experience

• 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

 

Preferred Qualification & Experience

• Experience in community assessment

• Experience with program evaluation

• Bilingual and/or bicultural

• 1 or more years of project management experience

As noted above, we are most interested in finding the right candidate for the position. If you do not possess all the required qualifications, we invite you to apply by sending your resume and cover letter to jessica@harbornw.org. Please share in your cover what interests you about supporting the work of The Harbor, as well as any relevant information that may not be reflected on your resume.