Advocate Jobs

About the Agency: Since 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has provided free, confidential supportive services to people impacted by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking through Advocacy, Emergency, Prevention, Education and Community Engagement programs and services.

Position Summary: Sexual Assault Response Team Advocates center survivors in Cumberland and York counties through victim & survivor advocacy, resource referral, and peer support. SARSSM also provides survivors and the community at large, with prevention-based educational programs and community engagement/building through intentional outreach. .

SART Advocates work to increase survivor safety and wellbeing while mitigating any additional traumatization, whether coming from individuals or systems. The SART Advocate provides direct services that strive to be culturally aware, trauma-informed and client centered. The SART Advocate-Multicultural Specialist is a grant funded position through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

The SART Advocate also provides on-call coverage for SARSSM’s 24-hour helpline, providing phone support as well as in-person accompaniment for sexual assault victims. A number of duties associated with this role require frequent local travel and occasional long distance travel.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Provide confidential, trauma-informed crisis intervention, safety planning, support, hospital and police accompaniment, court advocacy (both civil & criminal), resources and referrals for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with community partners and members of our multi-disciplinary teams (including but not limited to members of local law enforcement, district attorneys, emergency departments, child protective services, carceral settings, etc).
Co-facilitate support and drop-in groups and outreach activities for survivors of sexual violence and their personal support systems.
Serve as an internal resource on the many systems a survivor could be interacting with, as well as the resources available to survivors of sexual violence in both urban and rural communities across Cumberland and York counties.
Participate in outreach opportunities, raising awareness of and creating meaningful access to SARSSM services.
Co-facilitate virtual and in-person support groups and client outreach activities.
Attend regular supervision, staff, team and community meetings as scheduled.
Complete all required data and grant reporting by set deadlines..

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required in this role.

Degree in human services, social work, psychology, or other related fields, with one (1) year of work experience in these fields preferred.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of working with victims of crime, sexual assault and/or human trafficking preferred. A willingness to develop understanding and proficiency in delivering trauma informed services.
Ability to assess crisis situations and respond appropriately while maintaining strong boundaries.
Be a strong communicator who pays close attention to detail; demonstrates initiative, follow through, and possession of solid self-assessment skills.
Must be adaptable & able to quickly and effectively learn new skills and problem solve.
Possess the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Must be comfortable performing the community engagement and outreach activities of this role, including meeting new people and developing relationships.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Access to reliable transportation with applicable insurance.
Current, valid driver’s license or State ID.
Successfully complete a 40-hour sexual assault advocate training & a 10-hour support group facilitator training within specified time-frame.
Frequent local travel, with regular on-call evening & weekend shifts as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.
Employment is conditional upon successful clearance of background screening including Child Abuse Registry, Maine Criminal and Federal Fingerprinting.

BENEFITS
SARSSM offers a comprehensive & generous benefits package that include but not limited to:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
403(b) with matching option
Generous vacation & sick leave.

SARSSM seeks to hire folks whose lived experiences and identities are reflective of the vibrant and diverse communities that we serve. We are committed to being anti-racist, inclusive and diverse. SARSSM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, gender identity/expression, language, religion, political affiliation, age, socio-economic status, physical appearance and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.

In support of our values, SARSSM strives to ensure accurate, ethical, and equitable policies and practices. We believe in regular assessment, reflection, and the pursuit of growth, whether on the individual level or as an organization.