IRCO proposes to hire a Victims Rights Advocate (1.0 FTE) with the STOP VAWA project funds. The Advocate will be providing direct client services, intensive one-on-one, legal advocacy/case management to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Recruitment for this position will focus on qualified applicants who are bilingual in a refugee/immigrant language and/or have knowledge of and experience with immigrant/refugee domestic violence issues and services, case management and advocacy techniques, the legal system, immigration issues, and the local health and human service system. The Victims Rights advocate will collaborative with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to provide culturally appropriate legal support and education to underserved immigrant and refugee violent crimes survivors The Advocate will work closely with the DA’s office and IRCO’s DV staff to provide direct legal advocacy, recruit volunteers, provide culturally specific training for DA staff, and coordinate domestic violence and sexual assault training by the prosecutor for IRCO clientele. The Advocate will be cross-trained in screening client eligibility, case management, assessment, crisis intervention, and safety planning, but the focus of the position will be legal advocacy. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in social services, justice, or a closely related field will be preferred.



QUALIFICATIONS



Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. This would typically include:



• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work, women’s studies or related field

• Minimum two (2) years of professional level training and experience providing advocacy, outreach, education and domestic violence services to immigrant/refugee clients

• One year experience in providing cross-cultural training

• Knowledge of local domestic violence and social service organizations

• Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant communities and organizations

• Experience working with children, youth and families

• Ability to use a PC and proficient in Microsoft Office and other software programs

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic diverse environment or equivalent

• Because many of our clients do not speak English, a good spoken command of English and one of an African/Asian/East European language is required.

• Because this position works directly with women who are receiving assistance in surviving domestic abuse, female applicants will receive preference.



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED OF THE POSITION



Knowledge: Knowledge of local domestic violence and social service organizations, and other resources available to victims of domestic violence. Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant communities and organizations. Knowledge of case management processes and procedures. Knowledge of family dynamics and child development. Knowledge of court processes and law enforcement procedures pertaining to domestic violence.



Skills: Skill in the use of a PC and Microsoft Office software. Skill in the use of modern office equipment including, copier, FAX and mulit-line telephone. Skill in business grammar, writing and spelling.





Please go to www.irco.org to download an application



Must be able to utilize a personal computer, read and analyze data in hard copy and on screen. Must be able to travel and to work outside of regular office hours without advance notice. Must be able to sit, stand, walk and drive and use a computer terminal for long periods of time Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours. Must be able to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions



HOW TO APPLY:



Applications may be accessed at the IRCO website, www.irco.org, or at the IRCO main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220, 503-234-1541. Applications must be received at the main office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date, if applicable. Resumes are optional and do not replace the IRCO application form. Only complete, signed applications will be considered. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact each applicant. If you are selected for an interview we will contact you by telephone.



ELIGIBILITY:



The successful applicant must be eligible for employment in the United States in accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, and must present the proper identification within three days of hire.



ABOUT IRCO:



IRCO is a community-based, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a 25-year history of assisting refugees and immigrants through the various stages of integration into U.S. society. Reflecting great diversity, IRCO’s clients represent many countries and regions throughout the world. IRCO is the leading refugee organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington, investing in refugees and immigrants enabling them to become self-sufficient, long-term contributors to the economic vitality of the community.