Position: Direct Service Advocate II

Hours: 40-hours/week; Primarily weekdays, occasional evenings, and weekends; exempt position; some on call shifts expected

Reports to: Co-Director of Services I

Location: Advocacy Center/ Confidential Shelter

Compensation: $20/hour, generous paid time off, 10 paid holidays, 100% employer paid health, vision and dental insurance for employee and dependents; FSA and HSA options, retirement plan options with 3% employer match after 1-year of employment

The Harbor is Clatsop County’s primary community-based advocacy service for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and stalking. Established in 1976 as a crisis line, our services have evolved to include a 24-hour support line and 24/7 crisis response, a drop-in advocacy center, confidential shelter, and wrap around services like support groups, legal support, and mental health services. Our services are all free and confidential. We work from a trauma-informed empowerment model, which means we believe survivors are experts in their own lives and can make the best decisions for themselves.

Position Purpose

The Direct Service Advocate will provide advocacy services to shelter and drop-in clients at The Harbor’s Advocacy Center. Services reflect our mission to provide advocacy, prevention, and support to promote self-determination and hope for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking. With support from the Director of Services, work towards the goals of the Advocacy Program, including creating and maintaining a confidential, safe, and supportive space for survivors and their family members; providing one-on-one advocacy services that may include safety planning, crisis intervention, peer support, and information and referral; connecting survivors to other social services and resources; and sharing the work of The Harbor with community members and partners.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage those who meet the basic requirements of the position to apply regardless of whether you meet every criteria. All persons of every race, ethnic background, spiritual belief, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or personal ability, are equally affirmed into membership, leadership and employment at The Harbor and are joyfully welcomed

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment within our emergency shelter and advocacy center, using a trauma-informed approach.
• Coordinate culturally responsive, trauma-informed advocacy and case management for survivors within our emergency shelter, other local shelters, and our advocacy center.
• Offer culturally responsive, trauma-informed advocacy and case management as required.
• Deliver confidential, trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to survivors, promoting positive outcomes in line with Advocacy Program goals.
• Provide both one-time and ongoing case management advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Occasionally provide on-call advocacy for in-person emergency response.
• Collaborate with participants to create personalized safety plans.
• Use standardized screening tools to link participants with resources for shelter, housing, the Crime Victims Compensation Program, and the Address Confidentiality Program.
• Keep accurate participant files.
• Stay updated on community resources and coordinated community responses.
• Continue education and training on serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking.
• Act as a visible spokesperson and advocate for The Harbor's mission and programs in the community.
• Attend mandatory weekly staff meetings.
• Complete other tasks and projects as assigned.
• Actively attend agency and community meetings as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Core values aligned with those of The Harbor, including a personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression work.
• An understanding of, or desire to learn about, how oppression is the root cause of domestic and sexual violence, and how injustices intersect based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.
• The will and capability to promote an antiracist, inclusive, culturally diverse, and responsive environment.
• The ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds and ages, while utilizing equitable trauma-informed practices even in high-stress/crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of our shelter location and clients, especially in a small community.
• Capacity to be self-directed and to collaborate effectively with other staff.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, along with robust organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and be proactive.
• Ability to prioritize numerous tasks and manage various projects simultaneously.
• Basic computer technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Ability to learn new technology systems and implement them within the scope of duties.
• Must have transportation, current insurance coverage, and a valid driver's license. A background check and DMV Driving Record review are required.

Desirable Qualifications

• 2 years of work or experience in a related field, or 2 years of lived experience
• Bilingual/bicultural
• Basic computer technology skills, including Microsoft Office programs and/or ability to learn new technology systems and implement within scope of duties

Work Environment

The candidate must be able to work under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions, and should be capable of lifting at least 25 pounds, climbing stairs, kneeling, standing, walking, operating a vehicle, and moving throughout our building, shelter, partner agency locations, and other sites as needed.

As the atmosphere in a domestic violence agency can shift rapidly from stable to highly charged, all employees must remain flexible, calm, and creative.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Rotating weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Astoria, OR 97103: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person