Emergency Receiving Center Community Advocate

REST Job Description

Background

REST exists to expand pathways to freedom, safety and hope in order to end sex trafficking. REST offers programs that are centered on the strengths, needs and individual choices of each survivor we serve. We offer a continuum of care that includes outreach, a 24/7 hotline, community advocates, a drop-in center, an economic empowerment program, emergency shelter, residential program, and housing services. We are inspired by our faith as a Christian organization, are dedicated to serving people of all faith backgrounds, and do not require faith engagement. Our culture is influenced by our values of belonging, honor, trustworthiness, and tenacity. 

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. As a Christian organization, this position must work in harmony with the organization’s statement of faith and support the spiritual health of the organization. REST is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage survivors of sexual exploitation and people of color to apply.

Role summary

REST Community Advocates are responsible for building trusting relationships with individuals who are involved in or exiting the sex trade and assist them to prioritize self-identified goals, develop a plan to reach those goals, and make referrals for services to accommodate their goal plan. REST seeks to provide trauma-informed, strengths-based services that empower individuals to take the steps they want toward self-sufficiency. 

Each Community Advocate position at REST has a specific geographic or specialized focus area. 

• South King County - working with clients who are predominantly in South King County
• Seattle - working predominantly with clients in Seattle and with existing REST clients who are currently housed through REST's transitional programs
• Youth - working with clients who are 24 years-old and younger
• WARN - working primarily with foreign national survivors of trafficking as part of the Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network with International Rescue Committee Seattle
• Emergency Receiving Center (ERC) - working predominantly with clients who are transitioning out of our Emergency Receiving Center who are not housed through REST’s transitional programs

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered case management for survivors of sex trafficking
• Manage an active case load of 15-20 individuals, monitored and determined based on level of need
• Manage intake, create individualized goal plans, and maintain progress notes for each client
• Explore each clients strengths, needs, and culture across life domains to build an informed and integrated goal plan
• Use a holistic approach to care, providing opportunities for clients to explore emotional, physical, and spiritual needs
• Assist clients in accessing resources to help meet their individualized goals
• Advocate on behalf of clients within govt. organizations and community services to increase opportunity for success
• Advocate on behalf of clients within govt. organizations and community services to increase opportunity for success
• Provide culturally appropriate and responsive care to all clients 
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support for clients in emotional distress
• Provide transportation for clients as needed to help meet their individualized goals
• Utilize motivational interviewing as a primary tool for enhancing each clients self-efficacy and sense of agency
• Build trust with clients, helping them to develop a sense of belonging and increase their overall sense of self-worth
• Follow agency guidelines related to professional boundaries with clients, colleagues, and partner agencies at all times
• Utilize prevention and deescalation tactics to avoid violence or behavior problems, and follow the escalation protocol in the event of unsafe behavior
• Maintain case notes and files in an orderly, up-to-date manner
• Maintain confidentiality as per agency guidelines
• Maintain self-awareness, monitoring and regulating personal responses to stressors in order to maintain personal health and demonstrate professionalism in often complex and high stress situations
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, quarterly REST meetings, and other meetings as assigned by supervisor
• Contribute to the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization
• Model and facilitate healthy and constructive conflict resolution for team and clients
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must believe in the core values of REST and be driven by the mission. Beyond that, we are seeking a candidate with proven experience in working with vulnerable populations.

• 2 years of experience working with vulnerable populations
• Bachelor’s degree in social services or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated success supervising and leading effective teams
• Exhibits a warm and welcoming demeanor, with confidence in communication
• Strong communication, interpersonal and professional skills
• Ability to build a cohesive working relationship among a diverse team 
• Ability to plan well, manage time, and delegate effectively 
• Ability to organize, discern, and problem-solve creatively and under pressure 
• Alignment with the REST values of Belonging, Trustworthiness, Tenacity, and Honor 
• Ability to work in harmony with the REST statement of faith and nurture the spiritual health of the team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 
• Must have reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and clean driving record
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and move up and down stairs
• Must have reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and clean driving record
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and move up and down stairs

Schedule 

40 hours/week. This position typically works Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Occasional on call and outside hours may be required. Some holidays may be required, and some seasons may require more than 40 hours/week.

Location 

This position is based out of REST’s office is located in South Seattle but must be able to meet clients throughout King County and the region.

Compensation

REST has adopted a salary scale as part of its compensation plan. A range indicates the intention to accommodate those with varying years of relevant experienced, as determined by the salary scale. All positions are paid above the 50th percentile according to the most recent King County Wage and Benefit Survey for nonprofits.

Benefits

This position is eligible for all benefits offered to full-time non-exempt employees. This currently starts at 15 days vacation, 10 days sick, 10 holidays, 100% employer paid medical/dental/vision premiums for employee, one paid mental health hour each week, and a 403b retirement plan.

Job conditions

This position encounters a variety of daily work situations, including complex situations that require immediate attention and decision making. There may be both routine and complex interpersonal interactions to navigate with care and thoughtfulness. Processes may change based on changing needs of the organization, new technology, or new ideas for efficiency. Position operates as part of a team and engages in on-site work that may require time spent sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs, driving, transporting items. Position works under occasional time constraints to meet objectives, and performs computer work, including using a keyboard, looking at a screen, using the internet, email, phone, and video conferencing.