What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advocate position at Mac's List?
Position : Advocate
Status : Permanent, Non-exempt, Full-Time
Starting pay : $25.50 - $28.75 / hour ( $1.00 differential for bilingual), DOE, benefits available
first of the month following date of hire
Hours : Regular schedule; Primarily weekdays; some evenings and weekends
Responsible to : Community Based Program Manager
Location : On-site
Staff with bilingual competencies provide an additional and essential value to our organization and
we increase our starting wage accordingly for bilingual staff.
Note to Candidates :
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe
they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. Clackamas Women’s
Services is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we strongly encourage you to
apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications as described or if you require a
About Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) :
Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for
survivors escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on
trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Our vision is to live in a
society that no longer tolerates domestic and sexual violence, but rather thrives on mutual respect.
CWS offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by sexual assault,
domestic violence, stalking, the sex industry, and elder abuse. Through our emergency shelter, A Safe
Place Family Justice Center, satellite offices and throughout the community, CWS coordinates services
with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Participants in our
programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff.
CWS is committed to building an organizational culture that reflects our values. We envision a
community of survivors, staff, partners, volunteers, and donors who are deeply committed to breaking
the isolation of domestic and sexual violence. We do this by creating community and partnership,
honoring, and celebrating survivors, and engaging in work toward equity and social change through
community engagement and by investing internally in continual improvement and learning processes.
We are dedicated to the ongoing work of creating and sustaining a community where everyone can
thrive.
Benefits of working at CWS :
Clackamas Women’s Services is proud to offer competitive wages, paying above market for all positions
and offering a full package of benefits including :
100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and alternative care benefits for employee and
dependent child(ren).
- 100% employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
- Generous PTO (28.5 days in first year based on accrual).
- 10 days of Holiday pay of your choosing
- Paid day off for birthday.
- Paid parental leave.
- Monthly retirement plan contribution of 5%.
- Anniversary bonus, $25 / year of service.
- $100 monthly travel stipend
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- CWS was voted one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon!
- Work with a heart-centered team providing culturally responsive emergency, transitional, and long-
term supports, and services. CWS helps survivors build hope and resilience so they can achieve their
goals for personal safety, physical and mental wellness, financial autonomy, and family stability.
Position Purpose :
Responsible for providing crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and support services to
survivors accessing services at A Safe Place Family Justice Center and mobile advocacy throughout the
community.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
- Provide advocacy and systems navigation to survivors accessing services and make warm hand-offs
to community partners.
Provide the following support to survivors :
a. Short-term, crisis intervention services
b. Emotional support
c. Safety planning
d. Assessment of participant needs, strengths, and challenges
e. Assist with individualized goal setting
f. Information and referral for community resources
g. Domestic violence and sexual assault education
h. Provide accompaniment and transportation in agency vehicle
Serve as a first point of contact for survivors requesting services and support at the Family Justice
Center and making warm hand offs to other on-site providers.
Provide legal advocacy for survivors including assistance with Temporary Restraining Orders and
Stalking orders and court accompaniment via video court at the family justice center and
courthouse.
- Respond to Lethality Assessment Protocol calls with appropriate services as needed.
- Provide in-person advocacy and accompaniment during forensic exams for domestic violence and
sexual assault survivors at Clackamas County emergency departments.
Provide mobile advocacy to survivors working with partners throughout the community (medical or
mental services, corrections, culturally specific services, schools, etc.) as requested.
Contribute to a successful team within the shared advocacy model and work from a team-based
approach in conjunction with other advocates. Provide support and assist coworkers in response to
fluctuations in workloads.
- Facilitate support groups as requested.
- Work to establish effective, positive, and ongoing relationships with community partners.
- Other duties as assigned.
General Responsibilities :
- Represent the mission and values of CWS to program participants and community partners.
- Complete documentation of all services, including intakes, releases of information, demographics
tracking and statistics within the CWS database for all participants on a minimum of a weekly basis.
Maintain appropriate participant confidentiality in accordance with advocate privilege and federal
statutes.
Provide consultation and support for community partners through collaboration and information
sharing regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault and its impact on survivors.
- Participate in speaking engagements and educational trainings as requested.
- Work in conjunction with other staff to provide consistent services to participants.
- Attend CWS all staff meetings and regular team meetings.
- Meet regularly with the supervisor to plan and prioritize projects.
- Submit necessary monthly timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms.
- Manage daily schedule appropriately.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications :
- Bilingual (Spanish / English) and bi-culturally competent preferred.
- Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and / or sexual assault. Case management or
advocacy-based experience preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of domestic and sexual violence and its effects on survivors, their
children and society.
- Willingness to complete 40-hr confidential advocate training
- Demonstrated understanding of anti-oppression issues, ability to work effectively with individuals
from diverse backgrounds, and understanding of culturally competent service delivery methods
Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with a wide range of public and private systems intersecting
with the DVSA field (law enforcement, DHS, courts, education, etc.).
Computer proficiency in Windows environment including word processing and spreadsheets; (client
databases preferred)
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required; position includes use of personal vehicle
to complete some tasks.
- Must be able to travel throughout Clackamas County and the Greater Portland Area.
- The person in this position frequently : moves throughout CWS worksites and the community to
meet with donors, volunteers, community members, partners, and staff. The person will also
periodically move supplies and other items (up to 50 lbs.) from one place to another, participates in
community events, and may work in all types of weather.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the communities we
serve. Women, people of color, LGBTQ , older adults and people with disabilities are strongly
encouraged to apply.
Clackamas Women’s Services complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or
age.
Clackamas Women’s Services operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal
nondiscrimination laws.
Please submit a resume and cover to with the subject line of Advocate
Employee Signature Date
Program Manager / Director Title Date
- As noted in CWS Personnel Policies : any job may be reclassified at any time.
Last updated : 2024-10-26
Salary : $26 - $29