Survivor Access Coordinator

SARSSM•Portland, ME

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1973, offers free, confidential support services to individuals affected by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking. Our impactful work in Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement programs and services is crucial. Join us in this rewarding endeavor! POSITION OVERVIEW: The Survivor Access Coordinator is vital in advancing survivor-centered justice and enhancing system responses in Cumberland County through Maine’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant. This role supports the timely, trauma-informed, and survivor-driven processing of previously unsubmitted/untested or partially tested sexual assault kits. The Coordinator will provide clear communication, emotional support, systems navigation, advocacy, and referrals throughout this process. Approximately half of the Coordinator’s time will be dedicated to SAKI-related activities. Additionally, the Survivor Access Coordinator will offer direct advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence across York and Cumberland counties, including crisis support, safety planning, information and referrals, and advocacy within medical, legal, and social service systems. The position also involves collaboration with multidisciplinary partners to strengthen coordinated community responses, identify systemic gaps, and advocate for improvements in policies and practices affecting survivors. This role combines direct service, systems coordination, and equity-focused collaboration to improve survivor access, safety, and justice.

Requirements

Degree in human services, social work, education, or related field preferred; equivalent experience and professional development may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Working knowledge of Maine’s civil and criminal legal processes.
Experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, or victim services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and issues related to sexual violence.
Excellent communication, public speaking, facilitation, and collaboration skills.
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills with clients, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
Ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis and people from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canva, and client management systems.
Commitment to SARSSM’s mission and survivor-centered values.
Complete required trainings within designated timeframes, including: 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocate Training, Mandated Reporter Training, 10-hour Support Group Facilitator Training.
Participate in ongoing professional development, supervision, and management training.
Maintain reliable transportation, valid driver’s license or State ID, and applicable insurance.
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, on-call shifts, and local travel as required.
Employment contingent upon successful completion of background screenings, including Child Abuse Registry, Maine criminal background check, federal fingerprinting, and SARSSM probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the advocacy representative for victim notification efforts.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development related to best practices, trauma-informed response, victim notification, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Coordinate and support multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, meeting notes, documentation, and follow-up communication.
Assist in the development, review, and implementation of MDT protocols, guidelines, and best practices related to victim contact and survivor engagement.
Foster collaborative relationships among partners, including law enforcement, prosecutors, forensic personnel, advocacy agencies, and other community organizations.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, data collection, and grant-related records in accordance with SAKI requirements.
Support grant goals and objectives through outreach, coordination, case support, and administrative tasks as assigned by the SAKI Site Coordinator.
Participate in case review discussions and coordinated response efforts.
Ensure all work conducted under the SAKI grant is limited to eligible Cumberland County cases and activities in accordance with grant guidelines.
All other tasks related to the grants goals and objectives.
Participate in rotating on-call coverage for the 24-hour confidential Helpline, including evening and weekend shifts as assigned (additional on-call stipend provided).
Support callers with crisis intervention, safety planning, information, referrals, and systems advocacy.
Provide in-person accompaniment and advocacy for survivors during sexual assault forensic medical exams, law enforcement reporting, and court proceedings.
Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy services to individuals impacted by sexual violence.
Conduct client intakes, assess immediate needs, and support survivors in developing individualized safety plans.
Provide information regarding legal rights, reporting options, and available community resources.
Support survivors through medical, criminal justice, civil legal, and other systems as requested by the survivor.
Coordinate with attorneys, legal service providers, and community partners to support survivor access to services and justice.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation and records.
Complete required data collection, grant reporting, and administrative tasks by established deadlines.