RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization • Beaverton, 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.

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.

RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1 assist individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. RIFS DV/SA Advocates 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

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

Nice To Haves

• Some college course work preferred

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

• Full-Time with Benefits
• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED