Social Services Advocate

 The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves women, girls, and all immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy and research-based training and education. Our programs efficiently and effectively leverage donated professional services from a vast network of attorneys, medical professionals, and other experts to serve as many immigrant survivors as possible. By amplifying the experiences of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress, Tahirih’s mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.[Learn more about Tahirih’s Values, including our Commitment to Anti-Racism.] 

JOB SUMMARY 

Tahirih Justice Center, a non-profit legal services organization, is seeking to hire a Social Services Advocate for its San Francisco Bay Area office. This role will require a high degree of emotional intelligence and discretion to support immigrant women and girls and all other survivors fleeing gender-based violence. This position will work in tandem with the Social Services Program Manager to provide advocacy support services and case-management primarily to clients who reside in Santa Clara County, ensuring delivery of interdisciplinary, trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of gendered violence.  The person in this position will have the option of a hybrid work schedule, with the expectation that in-person services will be provided primarily in partner spaces located in Santa Clara County. 

This is a grant funded position currently funded at one year beginning July 1, 2024 with the option for renewal for up to five years. Continued employment is contingent on the receipt of additional grant funds. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop service plans, and maintain a case load of 15-25 clients. 
• Triage client emergencies, and provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and education about victim’s rights to clients. 
• Collaborate with legal and social services team on interdisciplinary case-management, and provide technical assistance where needed, to ensure provision of trauma informed and client centered services.   
• Enroll clients in the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants’ (USCRI) Trafficking Victims’ Assistance Program (TVAP), oversee ongoing administrative tasks and case-management related to USCRI TVAP provision.  
• Research information, provide referrals, advocate on behalf of and accompany clients, as needed and when safe to do so, to access housing/shelter, food banks, education, transportation, counseling, medical services, public benefits, Crime Victims Compensation, and other social services available locally. 
• Write letters of support for clients.  
• Maintain regular communication with clients through calls and in-person meetings to provide social services case-management.  
• Ensure quality control of the client database and files; maintain accurate case notes and data entry; ensure appropriate metrics tracking systems; regularly update Tahirih’s case-intensity matrix, maintain familiarity with resources located in Santa Clara County and surrounding communities and update referral and resource database accordingly, and follow risk management procedures. 
• Assist Social Services Program Manager with quarterly grant reporting.  
• Work with the Social Services Program Manager to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary programs and services for clients and synthesize evaluation findings to improve efficiencies.  
• In collaboration with Social Services Program Manager, participate in education and outreach activities, including local coalitions, taskforces, and working groups.  
• Support special events and donations drives, as needed. 
• Supervise social services volunteers or interns, as needed. 
• Accompany clients to medical forensic consultations as requested. 

This Job Description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities that are required of the employee. The precise duties and responsibilities of the job may change over time. 

Requirements

 Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field 

Experience  

• At least 2 years of relevant experience providing direct social services or crisis management services to survivors of trauma; 1 year experience in a Santa Clara County-based organization preferred. 
• Knowledge of program development, implementation and evaluation 
• Fluent in Spanish (written and spoken); additional language a plus. 
• Exemplary time management and prioritization skills. 
• Ability to creatively problem-solve under pressure. 
• Highly trained in cultural competency in service to immigrant gender-based violence survivors. 
• Completion of 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate training and Mandated Reporter training (these requirements can be fulfilled after hiring). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related mental health field 
• Experience designing trainings and presenting to legal and non-legal audiences on best practices when working with immigrant survivor of gender-based violence.  
• Experience working within interdisciplinary teams.  
• Experience with tracking grant metrics and reporting. 

Annual salary and benefits: The salary range for this position is $56,700 - $72,400 (inclusive of a $10,000 geographic differential for the San Francisco Bay Area) and generous benefits including fully paid employee health, vision and dental insurance; a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan; flexible work schedules; professional development including in-house training programs, staff enrichment retreats and other growth opportunities. Employees have a very generous self-managed leave benefit inclusive of vacation, sick and holidays, including an office closure the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Please note: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities are encouraged to apply.

The salary range for this position is $56,700 - $72,400 (inclusive of a $10,000 geographic differential for the San Francisco Bay Area) and generous benefits including fully paid employee health, vision and dental insurance; a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan; flexible work schedules; professional development including in-house training programs, staff enrichment retreats and other growth opportunities. Employees have a very generous self-managed leave benefit inclusive of vacation, sick and holidays, including an office closure the week between Christmas and New Year’s.