Japanese-Speaking Survivor Advocate

API Chaya empowers survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking to gain safety, connection, and wellness. We build power by educating and mobilizing South Asian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and all immigrant communities to end exploitation, creating a world where all people can heal and thrive. This work is done through organizing our communities to end violence and oppression, as well as through support services for survivors. We work in diverse communities, including immigrants and refugees, young people, LGBTQ, faith-based, and various ethnic and cultural groups and people with disabilities. For more information about our organization, please visit apichaya.org.

 API Chaya is seeking a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate who will work within API Chaya’s DV/SA Program to provide intensive case management and crisis intervention to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Advocate should excel at survivor-centered advocacy, managing competing priorities, and facilitating access to services for clients as well as building relationships within and communicating effectively with diverse communities and partners. 

This position requires thorough knowledge and understanding of a human rights based approach to survivor advocacy and a strengths-based approach in serving survivors. The Advocate should have demonstrated experience in case management skills such as: empowerment based advocacy, harm reduction, professional boundaries, and self-care.  

A successful candidate should adhere to API Chaya’s client confidentiality policy, enjoy working collaboratively within a diverse team, and have an expressed interest in providing individualized, long-term services to survivors. The candidate should embrace API Chaya's values and possess a thorough understanding of how domestic violence and sexual assault occurs within a complex web of power dynamics and privilege and oppression.  

 This position is based in Seattle, WA but requires some work and travel throughout the Puget Sound area to provide services to survivors and engage with communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

 Advocacy and Case Management (75%)

• Provide culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate, professional, and survivor-centered case management for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Answer Helpline calls from survivors, family and friends of survivors, and other service providers working with survivors
• Conduct initial screening & assessment to determine eligibility for API Chaya's advocacy program
• Provide customized, ongoing case management, which may include: client accompaniment, advocacy, information and referrals to community service providers such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, court, law enforcement, etc.
• Assess the need for and distribute emergency funds and resources to survivors
• Identify barriers to services and advocate for higher quality of services with external service organizations including advocating for culturally and linguistically appropriate and trauma-informed services
• Support survivors to build professional and social networks to reduce isolation
• Maintain relevant and accurate documentations such as up-to-date case records, databases, program activities, and complete reporting on time for funders  
• Participate in regular direct services meetings, one-on-one supervision meetings and agency staff meeting

Community Outreach and Organizing (25%)

• Collaborate with service agencies, community organizations and governmental partners to provide participants with services and resources that centers survivor’s agency, dignity and wellness
• Assist participants in developing skills to increase self-sufficiency, and support them to build social networks and healthy relationship skills
• Organize, support and co-facilitate our survivor leadership groups, psycho-educational workshops, and survivor gatherings and support groups 
• Prepare and distribute materials, cultivate and maintain relationships and occasionally conduct trainings for relevant service providers, partner organizations and community members
• Assist in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers/interns involved in Direct Services Program Work
• Provide community-based education and outreach to increase survivor access to API Chaya programs and services
• Train and support other advocates in the field on issues relating to sexual violence and domestic abuse, including new advocates at API Chaya
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The advocacy team works together to ensure high-quality services for all clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in both Japanese and English 
• Understands and supports API Chaya’s mission, vision and values and commitment to incorporate such values in day-to-day work
• Possess a driver’s license, must be mobile and flexible as needed
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Availability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekend hours
• Experience in or deep familiarity with immigrant and refugee communities 
• Have an understanding of how the dynamics of domestic and sexual abuse/violence and/or human trafficking play out within immigrant and refugee communities
• Experience and comfort working collaboratively with people of diverse ethnic, religious, national, class, disabilities, and cultural backgrounds as well as people of all gender identities and sexualities
• Experience managing crisis situations with professionalism, empathy and discernment, and maintain a positive, cooperative, and calm professional demeanor during challenging situations
• Detail-oriented and focused team-player with superb organizational and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and reflective conversation
• Excellent critical thinking skills and works from a needs based, problem-solving approach to address complex situations
• Highly organized and has experience documenting work, accounting for expenses, and submitting reports on time

OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Enjoyment and experience working in collaborative workplace environment
• Experience with advocacy-based counseling and/or other empowerment-based models
• Experience working with law enforcement, probation, DSHS, and other government agencies
• Familiarity with local, regional and state laws, organizations, coalitions, policies and practices regarding domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking
• Knowledge of and a deep demonstrated commitment to working against domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, trauma, victimization and gender-based violence
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations and/or with individuals who have limited English proficiency
• Experience doing public speaking and have willingness to learn and engage as requested

API Chaya is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We welcome you to bring your full selves to the interview process. Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or human trafficking encouraged to apply. 

We are located in a confidential location in downtown Seattle, WA. Our office is wheelchair-accessible, and we aim to have a scent-free space. We also provide interpretation and/or CART for Deaf & hard of hearing folks. We welcome employees to bring their full selves to work and strive to make our office as accessible as possible.

COMPENSATION

Based on experience, full time (1.0 FTE) compensation for this position ranges from $64,000 - $75,000 DOE Generous personal leave and benefits package including paid vacation, personal holidays, self-care days, sick leave, and health insurance.

TO APPLY

Please send a chronological resume and cover letter explaining: (1) What experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position; (2) Why the mission and work of API Chaya appeals to you; and (3) Why this position at API Chaya is the desired next step in your career.

Please submit your (a) resume and (b) cover letter, as well as a (c) Japanese translation of the cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

We would like to fill the position as soon as possible, open until filled. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.