Position: Survivor Leader Advocate
Department: at:project
Reports to: Program Director and Direct Service Supervisor
Position Summary
The Survivor Leader Advocate plays a pivotal role in engaging and serving victims/survivors of human trafficking in Central Oregon, utilizing At:Project and J Bar J in-house services, contracts, partner agencies, and collaborations. This position focuses on outreach, crisis response, case management, facilitation of survivor support groups and building a robust referral network. The Survivor Leader Advocate coordinates with victims/survivors, addressing daily needs and working towards therapeutic goals. Additionally, the Advocate participates in collaborative evaluation with the At:project Program Director to enhance program development as well as the completion of accurate and timely documentation of services and data collection. The Advocate works with community partners to assist with emergency and crisis responses for victims of human trafficking. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with variable shifts, including days, swing shifts, weekends, and holidays. On-call responsibilities are required.
· Client Advocacy and Case Management: Provide trauma-informed support to human trafficking/CSEC survivors. Address housing and legal needs, immigration remedies, emergency food, clothing, and supplies; foster relationship-building and empowerment within the survivor’s community; establish mutually agreed-upon and achievable goals; and coordinate referrals with community partners.
· Crisis Intervention and Peer Counseling: Guide, empower, and educate clients in achieving safety and recognizing options. Provide intensive strength-based, solutions-oriented support while maintaining confidentiality. Offer on-call support on scheduled days, including contact with hospitals, law enforcement, legal teams, trafficking victims, and their families.
· Survivor Consultation Services: Provide expert knowledge and consultation services to the project, including the development and review of all program aspects to ensure they are survivor-informed and survivor-led.
· Support Group Facilitation and Survivor Advisory Council Leadership: Provide survivor leadership and client-centered support groups to assist survivors in finding healing and resilience. Assist in facilitating the Survivor Advisory Council, which offers guidance, feedback, and consultation to inform the development of services provided by the at:project.
· Risk Assessments and Safety Planning: Assess each client for risks of further abuse and provide ongoing personal safety planning options.
· Outreach: Coordinate with community partners and businesses to provide outreach and awareness on human trafficking. Increase victim identification and support services; plan and execute client-specific outreach strategies; assist with the development and implementation of supportive services as needs and opportunities for expansion arise; and support agency linkage to enhance a tri-county/state-wide response effort.
· Accompaniment: Provide advocacy and accompaniment during law enforcement interviews, child forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, prosecution interviews, court proceedings, and other community-based and system-based meetings.
· Indirect Services: Attend staff meetings and other required meetings; participate in case review and coordination; assist with the urgent-response line; maintain client files; attend professional development opportunities; and perform other duties as requested by the Program Director and Direct Service Supervisor.
Qualifications
· Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to create an environment where clients can succeed by ensuring trauma-informed care and providing non-judgmental support to survivors of human trafficking. Ability to work flexibly and provide crisis intervention while remaining calm during crisis situations. Capability to work both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in facilitating and documenting individual meetings and groups. Ability to interface effectively with other staff, referring service agencies, government partners, healthcare providers, schools, and others while maintaining a professional demeanor. Comfort and confidence in working with law enforcement. A high degree of sensitivity to and respect for diversity and cultural issues involved in working with individuals from various ethnicities and income levels. High tolerance and respect for individual survival strategies while promoting healthier choices. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and conflict resolution/mediation skills. Knowledge and/or experience in the fields of runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking is preferred.
· Experience and Training: Lived experience with human trafficking is encouraged. Public self-disclosure is not required. Bilingual and bicultural individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Knowledge and/or experience in the fields of runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking is preferred. A valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current proof of vehicle insurance are required. CPR/First Aid Certification or the willingness to receive certification upon hire is required.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Willingness to be subject to a background check and drug testing on demand is required.
This job description is not meant to be all inclusive, and it is subject to change.