Systems Advocate - Knox (& Lincoln) County

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine•Brunswick, ME

About The Position

The Systems Advocate provides direct advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence, particularly those engaged with criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare systems in Knox and Lincoln Counties. The position is based at the SASSMM Brunswick or Searsport office, with at least two days of in-person work with clients and community partners in Knox County. Shared office space in Rockland may be available. The role provides crisis support, accompaniment, and community-based advocacy for survivors and family members. It also coordinates responses to requests for services at local courts, supports clients during police interviews, legal proceedings, forensic medical exams, restorative circles, and school accompaniments, and may provide support groups in incarcerated settings. The advocate collaborates with community resources, referral sources, and other Systems and Rural Advocates, and contributes to services and trainings related to human trafficking prevention and response. The position participates in staff backup coverage for the 1-800 helpline, completes SASSMM's 47-hour Advocate Training, co-facilitates support groups as needed, and attends at least 12 hours of professional development training annually. The advocate is accountable to the Advocacy Services Coordinator for client-related or systems support in their counties of service oversight, and to the Associate Director regarding agency programming and operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work/life experience.
Excellent organizational ability and oral and written communication skills.
Training or experience working with diverse and underserved populations.
Awareness of and sensitivity to issues of sexual violence.
Ability to respond to people in crisis and an open-minded nature.
Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to changing priorities.
Excellent computer literacy, organizational, facilitation, and oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis support services to survivors and family members following a sexual assault.
Coordinate and respond to incoming client service requests at local courts.
Accompany and support survivors during police interviews and other law enforcement procedures, legal proceedings, forensic medical exams, restorative circles, and school accompaniments.
Provide community-based advocacy and support services, including support groups in incarcerated settings.
Contribute to developing and implementing services and trainings in response to and prevention of human trafficking.
Coordinate with other Systems and Rural Advocates to ensure consistency and coverage of services.
Establish contact and collaborate with community resources and referral sources.
Attend at least 12 hours of professional development training per year in consultation with the Advocacy Services Coordinator.
Assist the Advocacy Services Coordinator and Systems Advocacy Lead as required.
Complete SASSMM's 47-hour Advocate Training.
Participate in staff backup coverage of the 1-800 helpline and respond to client or volunteer advocate needs associated with staff backup capacity.
Support client needs identified through the support line, SASSMM office phone, affiliated schools, or other community partners.
Co-facilitate in-person or online support groups as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.