Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate 1 at The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Portland, Oregon, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Jan, 26

Salary

23.37

Posted On

17 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Crisis Intervention, Safety Planning, Advocacy, Communication, Active Listening, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Confidentiality, Cultural Competence, Legal Advocacy, Data Collection, Flexibility, Trauma-Informed Care, Client Support, Resource Navigation, Community Engagement

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org. POSITION: Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate 1 JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8 WAGE: Starting at $23.37 per hour FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS: Gateway Community Center - Onsite FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 0.25 FTE; Oncall/ Casual without Benefits (Position is scheduled for 10 hours per week) NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1) APPLY AT: www.irco.org STATUS: Oncall/ Casual without Benefits PROGRAM(S): Gateway Navigator / RIFS Program SECTOR: Survivor Services REQUIREMENTS: Able to pass an extensive background check English fluency required; additional language fluency preferred This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Program Summary IRCO’s Survivor Services department consists of its Refugee & Immigrant Family Strengthening (RIFS) program, which works with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSA) together with its Services Against Exploitation (SAE) program, which works with survivors of human trafficking (HT) both sex and labor. RIFS was launched by IRCO in 1998 in response to the large volume of immigrants and refugees coming to the Tri-County area who were survivors of abuse. IRCO started the SAE program in 2018 to improve coordination among existing anti-human trafficking (HT) agencies and to offer culturally responsive survivor support. Although open to all survivors of all backgrounds, both RIFS and SAE understands the variation in community norms, religious, legal, and language barriers faced by immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born survivors of DVSA/HT. RIFS and SAE are comprised of teams of Advocates who help survivors with safety planning and crisis intervention; emergency and stabilized housing solutions; intensive bilingual advocacy and case management; interpretation and translation services; strengthening self-sufficiency; linkages to education and employment opportunities; assistance with accessing grants or other community resources; legal advocacy and court accompaniment; transportation; and navigating immigration issues. Survivor Services also develops and conducts awareness education and outreach in our immigrant and refugee communities, with stakeholders and partner organizations, and beyond. Position Summary The Gateway Center is a high-volume entry point for the continuum of domestic and sexual violence services in Multnomah County. Domestic Violence Advocates, also known as Gateway Navigators, are required to provide intake and advocacy services for survivors seeking help from the Gateway Center. Navigators must be prepared to work with multiple survivors every day. Navigation is difficult; navigators will be exposed to crisis and trauma every day they are working at the Gateway Center. No one advocate may navigate for more than 3 days a week, unless an exception is specifically requested and agreed to by all parties. This is to prevent burn-out and harm to the navigators. Navigation can be fast-paced and can require managing multiple tasks and expectations at the same time. Navigators should not be assigned or schedule home-agency tasks on Navigation days, as this can interfere with the advocate’s ability to navigate. Navigators interface with various members of the Gateway Center Intake Team on and off all day while they are navigating. They must be responsive, transparent and communicative. Advocates assigned as navigators should enjoy working on a team and enjoy face-paced work. Navigators will be trained in the following practices: Crisis and safety planning Facilitation of restraining order applications and other civil legal services Safety Stabilization Assessment Lethality assessment (clear understanding of red flags for high danger) Overall understanding of local social services delivery systems and public safety accountability systems including, but not limited to, the Department of Human Services Self Sufficiency, law enforcement and prosecution, and court systems. The Gateway Center Intake Team will provide training on all Gateway Center related procedures and practices. Essentially, advocates assigned to the Navigator role will come as trained advocates with solid advocacy skills. The Gateway Center will provide all the training that is specific to the Navigator role. Essential Functions Supporting Participants and Survivors Implement a survivor-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed empowerment model in assisting clients to heal and attain stability as driven by their priorities and goals Navigate risk assessment alongside survivors and provide immediate and ongoing safety planning Provide short-term crisis intervention for participants including but are not limited to: emergency shelters and motels; support for long term housing stability; assistance with restraining orders and stalking orders; mental health services; securing employment; and referrals for other relevant services Provide consultation and technical assistance to other providers, including co-advocacy on behalf of an individual participant or family; collaborate with other domestic and sexual violence service providers Assist participants in navigating and accessing appropriate services and follow through on referrals Access family legal services and obtain protective orders (restraining orders or stalking orders) for participants when necessary Make referrals to legal immigration services; assist participants in gathering documents and evidence, write letters of support when requested, and obtain clearance from law enforcement Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services Practice flexibility and act on guidelines for participant services as developed by the Gateway Center’s Intake Team and Partner Agencies Participant Files and Data collection Maintain confidential participant files including records of intakes, and all contacts and referrals Maintain a high level of confidentiality of participant identifying information. Confidentiality standards must meet the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) minimum standards. For complete list of standards please visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/legislation. Adhere to program, agency, and federal legal policies on client confidentiality Participate in data collection and other evaluation activities as determined by the Gateway Center Intake Team, including consistent use of the Salesforce Form when indicated Complete data entry, case notes, client file updates, reports, and all other administrative tasks within given timelines Working as a Team Member: Attend monthly Gateway Center community meetings. Participate in team building at the Gateway Center including participation in meetings and training as determined by the Gateway Center Intake Team Cover for the Gateway Navigator II when needed Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations Perform other duties as assigned Secondary Functions Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines Ability to deal with distressed and demanding clients and employees in an effective manner Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients Requirements Education & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: Interest and/or experience working directly with participants of varied backgrounds Completion of the 40-hour Oregon Domestic Violence Certified Advocate training, with additional relevant training on topics specific to survivors (or within 10 days of hire) Ability to cultivate and develop respectful working relationships with stakeholders, colleagues, and community members An effective and compassionate communicator, both verbally and in writing, and excellent active listening skills to identify the needs of our clients Training and understanding of Trauma-Informed Care Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines Analytical, problem solving, and decision-making abilities Basic knowledge of laws of confidentiality, disclosures, and release of information PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: English fluency required; additional language fluency preferred Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information Creativity: Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is needed Mental: There is a regular need for assessment of risks, analysis of options and decisions without complete information Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes. Work Independence: Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. Environment: This level has a work environment that contains hazards or obstacles on a regular basis. Working conditions include regular interactions with hostile individuals, gangs, victims of abuse, and individual safety plans are created. Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice. Supervisory Responsibilities Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers. Required Engagement Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. How To Apply Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.

Responsibilities

The Domestic Violence Advocate will provide intake and advocacy services for survivors seeking help at the Gateway Center. They will assist clients with safety planning, crisis intervention, and navigating various support services.