SA) Advocate 1

IRCO•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org . POSITION: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1 JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8 WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS: Located at IRCO Main, 10301 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97220 or one of IRCO’s sites, Hybrid schedule FTE; FT/PT; STATUS : 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1) APPLY AT: www.irco.org STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S): Refugee & Immigrant Family Strengthening (RIFS) SECTOR: Survivor Services REQUIREMENTS: Bilingual in English and a 2nd language required (Spanish, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Filipino/Tagalog, and Hindi are priority languages) Background check required Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Program Summary The Refugee & Immigrant Family Strengthening (RIFS) program was launched by IRCO in 1998 in response to the large volume of immigrants and refugees coming to the Tri-County area who were survivors of abuse. These newly arrived community members did not know how or where to go for services or resources and faced additional community, religious, or language barriers to obtaining such support. RIFS was designed to be a unique, community focused program that serves immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. RIFS is comprised of a team of Advocates who help survivors with safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency and stabilized housing solutions, intensive bilingual case management, interpretation, translation services, building self-sufficiency, accessing grants or other assistance funds, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, transportation, and immigration issues. RIFS also conducts prevention education and outreach in our immigrant and refugee communities and beyond. Position Summary The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1 assists individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1 utilize a survivor-centered, strengths-based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma-informed communication, and provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. Unified Response is composed of six organizations who provide confidential advocacy to survivors at Sexual Assault Nurse Exams (SANE) and strangulation exams at various hospital and mental health sites. Unified Response advocates provide emotional support, trauma-informed next steps, survivor-centered options, and act as a liaison between various systems. Unified Response currently responds within Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma is required, some college course work preferred
Experience: Experience in advocacy and/or at a nonprofit is required
Certification: 40 hours Domestic Violence Advocate Certification within 10 working days of hire
Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Bilingual in English and a 2nd language required (Spanish, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Filipino/Tagalog, and Hindi are priority languages)
Background check required
Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
Strong skills in community focused, interpersonal, and organizational communication
Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multi-background team and organization

Responsibilities

Adhere to program, agency, and federal legal policies on client confidentiality
Implement a survivor-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed empowerment model in assisting clients to heal and attain stability as driven by their priorities and goals
Collaborate with internal and external service providers to identify survivors and cases affected by domestic violence
Assess potential participants for eligibility, conduct intake sessions utilizing assessment and evaluation procedures and best practices, and conduct eligibility screening for other services
Navigate risk assessment alongside survivors and provide immediate and ongoing safety planning
Develop a case management plan for each participant, provide short-term crisis intervention for participants who wish to access services which include but are not limited to, emergency shelters and motels; supports for long term housing stability; assistance with restraining orders and stalking orders; peer supports; mental health services; securing employment; and referrals for other relevant services
Assist participants in navigating and accessing appropriate services and follow through on referrals
Advocate and coordinate with service providers, attorneys, law enforcement, the legal system, other Advocates, and management to serve the needs of clients
Access family legal services and obtain protective orders (restraining orders or stalking orders) for participants when necessary
Make referrals to legal immigration services; assist participants in gathering documents and evidence, write letters of support when requested, and obtain clearance from law enforcement
Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services
Maintain confidential participant files including records of intakes, case management plans, and all contacts and referral
Maintain a high level of confidentiality of participants in identifying information. Confidentiality standards must meet the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) minimum standards. For complete list of standards please visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/legislation
Complete data entry, case notes, client file updates, reports, and all other program/IRCO administrative tasks within given timelines
Be prepared to travel to hospital and mental health sites to support sexual assault and strangulation survivors
Offer survivors with clear and direct options concerning confidentiality, medical exams, community resources, and next steps. Liaison with medical staff if needed, and respect survivor-centered choices.
Perform outreach and educational activities within immigrant and refugee communities and local service providers
Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts