CSEC Survivor Advocate

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter to leadership@seattleops.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit applications for review by September 30, 2024.

ABOUT US: The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) was founded by survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and allies, to end the violence of prostitution and change cultural norms around oppression, exploitation, and violence against women. OPS provides services in three areas: (1) advocacy, harm reduction, and exit services for survivors, (2) education and training on CSE and changing cultural norms of gender-based violence, and (3) technical assistance and policy efforts to increase survivor access to social capital and political power, improve services for survivors, and end CSE. Around 85% of OPS staff are CSE survivors, and we prioritize elevating and empowering survivors across the organization, movement, and our communities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Organization for Prostitution Survivors will sustain and expand upon its services by adding a full-time CSE/C Advocate. The CSE/C Advocate will assist in the creation and facilitation of survivor-centered/ -led, trauma-informed, and culturally specific holistic services for youth survivors of sexual exploitation. The CSE/C Advocate works alongside survivors of sexual exploitation utilizing healing-centered services, harm reduction, and relationship-based mentorship. The OPS Survivor Services team works to meet the emergency and long-term needs of adults and youth who are impacted by the sex trade. This position requires an empathetic, resilient, and passionate individual who is comfortable providing services to those in crisis and developing healing relationships with members of the OPS community. This position is responsible for managing a caseload of 15-25 youth (Ages 18-24). OPS values passionate self-starters with the ability to utilize best practices in holistic care.

Job Duties:

• Participate in creating a healing community for all participants including ongoing and one-time crisis intervention or recovery services utilizing low barrier therapeutic interventions
• Interface and build relationships with survivors of complex trauma with the intention of stabilization and referral to long-term therapeutic resources
• Attend the Bridge Collaborative monthly meeting, ConnectUp conference call case staffings first Thursday of the month, the quarterly CSEC task force meeting, and all other meetings that pertain to CSEC youth and services or if requested by their supervisor.
• Deliver all services and strategies in a manner that is culturally sensitive and centers the strengths and dignity of the person
• Provide 1:1 and mobile flexible advocacy services for a typical caseload of 15-25 active clients.
• Create a healing path and plan for participants including: referrals for mental health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, SUD assessments, and other clinical strategies that move toward individualized health goals.
• Participate in crisis interventions, case consultations, and debriefs with the Survivor Services Team.
• Provide healing-centered service provision that utilizes the following interventions: Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed care, CBT, DBT, ACT, Somatic/Yoga Therapy, Therapeutic Art, Mutual Aid groups, Harm Reduction, and Low Barrier Services.
• Complete intakes, provide long-term case management, and support participants to identify and document case management goals.
• Support in the programming of other services when necessary/as needed, such as drop-ins, support groups, and activities
• Participate in community collaborations and partnerships to ensure the most appropriate and culturally relevant resources and referrals are available for participants.
• Participate in supervision once a week with the Youth Program Manager for mentorship & attend weekly team meetings (case consult, staff meetings, etc.) as directed by supervisor and/or director
• Mobile flexible advocacy services for youth and adults are crucial to case management-certain days of the week out of the office to meet clients for MFA. Ability to work remotely and take initiative with remote work
• Collaboration and networking with outside agencies who serve CSEC youth
• Facilitation and presentation of OPS training sessions when needed
• Continued professional development as a survivor leader with attending conferences, webinars, and community events. Accepting speaking engagements as appropriate
• Submit monthly reporting on time and become familiar with and appropriately implement Apricot Social Solutions system and keep up to date with data entry including case notes, service planning, intakes, DCA requests, and work logs.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Empathetic and compassionate listener with the ability to problem solve
• Ability to stay grounded and calm for participants during crisis
• Group facilitation skills and an ability to engage participants who are therapy/service adverse
• Knowledge of therapeutic and recovery supports
• Understanding and experience with empowerment-based advocacy
• A working understanding of how trauma manifests in the body/mind. Ability to provide community resources for clients struggling with codependency, addiction, creating healthy boundaries, and PTSD
• A working knowledge of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, gender based violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, homelessness and substance dependence
• Theoretical and/or experiential understanding of complex trauma and systemic oppression, particularly an understanding of sex/gender based oppression, racism, and poverty
• Flexible self starter and team player
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Passion to create social systems change including the active dismantling of patriarchy, heterosexism and classism
• Open to new ideas and communicating effectively across differences of opinion
• A clear understanding and implementation of conflict resolution skills
• A genuine commitment to the mission of OPS and women’s liberation

Preferred Skills:

• Lived experience of CSE/CSEC
• 1 year experience providing case management to high risk populations of adolescents
• B.A Degree in Social Work or related field, or two years relevant experience
• Professional training on CSE/C, relevant service systems, and resources
• Experience partnering and networking with agencies on behalf of CSE or related issues

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENT

• This role requires access to reliable transportation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Ability to perform moderate physical work

SCHEDULE

• 36-hour work week completed Monday through Friday, with the occasional evening or weekend shift. OPS staff can flex their schedules as needed, but standard work hours are between 10 am-6 pm. OPS employees are currently working a mixture of remote and in-person shifts. In-person work will include duties at our Burien office and outreach/partner meetings in Seattle.