Survivor Advocate

IRC Background:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

The IRC is part of a multi-agency response to support survivors of crime including domestic violence and human trafficking in San Diego. The Survivor Advocate will provide direct case management services to survivors of crime and maintain accompanying case files.

Job Overview:

The Survivor Advocate will be the principal caseworker for IRC San Diego’s Refugee Victims of Crime Assistance Program (RVCAP) and Anti-Trafficking Program, serving primarily migrant clients who have experienced crime with a specific focus on survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This program provides access to quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate services and education programming to clients. The Survivor Advocate will directly manage a caseload of refugee and other immigrant survivors of crime, providing hands-on case management to address each individual’s unique needs and assist them in stabilizing their lives. Case management entails completing intake, screening for violence, safety plans, developing individualized service plans (ISPs), coordinating with law enforcement as needed, and making referrals to internal and external supportive services to ensure that survivors of crime have timely access to a full range of services to meet their immediate needs, including medical, psychosocial, legal, and livelihoods services. The goal of this case management is to promote and support healing from exploitation, resilience, wellness, independence and self-sufficiency. The Survivor Advocate will ensure program compliance and quality assurance. This position is a regular, full-time position that reports to the Senior Survivor Advocate in the Safety & Wellness Department.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assess clients for eligibility and work closely with each client to ensure they understand the program, case management process, and functions of the Advocate role, and set the foundation for trusting and honest two-way communication;
• Provide high-quality, client-centered case management and advocacy for a caseload of survivors of crime that includes assessments, intake, screening for violence, and individualized service plans to support clients in achieving self-sufficiency and ensure that clients are provided the basic tools vital to meet their established goals and objectives;
• Assess and monitor client progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made, designated resources are maximized, modifying initial service plans with clients, and other case file documents as required. Provide information about the client about options, resources, and eligibility for any and all available services, and empower the client make informed decisions as to their ISP;
• Work collaboratively with community partners including those in the non-profit social services sectors, law enforcement, legal, health care providers, etc.;
• Provide individualized and group orientations on healthy and unhealthy relationships, rights and responsibilities and other relevant topics;
• Ensure timely compliance with both case file management and reporting requirements while using appropriate data tracking systems. This entails regular and timely maintenance of both hard-copy and electronic files per best practice standards;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position reports to Senior Survivor Advocate
• Collaborates with Safety & Wellness Program Manager, Safety & Wellness Caseworkers, MSW Interns, Social Work Site Placement Coordinator, Technical Advisors, internal IRC services, and external service providers and agencies

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other relevant field strongly preferred; Master’s degree preferred, with an emphasis in Social Work, Mental Health, or an equivalent field of study
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant work experience in human services (in addition to the above) and experience with case work and trauma-informed service provision;
• Thrives in a collaborative environment, ability to effectively communicate and work as a member of a team in a multi-cultural environment and can maintain cultural humility and respect for intersectional identities;
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Spanish, Arabic or Dari required;
• Proven track record of contributing both independently and as a key team member;
• Follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality;
• Self-starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Completed domestic violence advocate training preferred;
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment;
• This position will work both from the IRC office in City Heights and El Cajon;
• During pandemic: Some at home work with reliable internet. Non-pandemic: Standard, professional office environment;
• Offices hours are scheduled as Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm; some evening and weekend events required;
• Regular travel to off-site locations is required;
• Access to a reliable vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.