Empowerment Navigator

Sanar is seeking an Empowerment Navigator to support our Project Lighthouse initiative. This position will provide case management services for survivors of technology-based sexual violence (TBSV - also called image-based sexual abuse) to support survivors nationwide in identifying resources and support.

Additionally, the Empowerment Navigator will provide community education and awareness building about TBSV and Sanar Institute’s services, both virtually and in-person throughout New Jersey.

This position is meant for a flexible candidate that is deeply passionate about healing, wellness, and ensuring survivors have access to supportive services. An ideal candidate will have a strong passion for directly supporting survivors of violence, as well as for engaging with the community through education and empowerment initiatives.

In addition, this position requires a professional who is highly organized and adaptable, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and is motivated to create meaningful change for this emerging field.

This position will require you to work in-office in Newark and travel to events and meetings throughout New Jersey, up to 4 days per week.

Essential Responsibilities

The position will require flexibility, enthusiasm for working with diverse communities, and the ability to navigate complex environments.

Case Advocacy & Empowerment Services

• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered case advocacy to individuals impacted by technology based sexual violence.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop individualized service plans to support survivors’ goals related to safety, stability, and healing.
• Assist clients in navigating systems and accessing resources such as legal services, housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment support.
• Identify and vet nationwide resources for survivors of TBSV and develop detailed resource guides.
• Offer emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and ongoing coordination of survivor care in collaboration with internal clinical staff and external partners.
• Coordinate ‘know-your-rights’ service provision for survivors of TBSV to ensure survivors are aware of their rights and the services available to them.
• Provide image-removal support to survivors, including support in navigating the removal process and referrals to additional partners as needed

Community Outreach & Education

• Develop and implement community outreach strategies to increase awareness of TBSV, and Sanar’s services, while building trust with underserved communities.
• Represent Sanar at coalition meetings, community events, trainings, and outreach activities to build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders.
• Co-design and facilitate trauma-informed, culturally relevant workshops that increase understanding of TBSV, promote victim identification, and inform the public about the rights of TBSV survivors; as well as to raise awareness of the impact of trauma and available services.
• Develop handouts, infographics, social media content, videos and other educational materials that increase understanding of TBSV, promote victim identification, and inform the public about the rights of TBSV survivors.
• Support logistics, communication, and evaluation for community healing events and outreach programming.

Partnership & Systems Engagement

• Cultivate and sustain local and national partnerships with community-based organizations, service providers, and local systems to strengthen referral pathways and wraparound support.
• Serve as a liaison between Sanar and allied professionals to increase collaboration and improve coordinated responses to survivors’ needs.
• Identify gaps in services and recommend strategies for increasing accessibility and equity in survivor support systems.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain timely and accurate case notes, service documentation, and required reporting in accordance with agency protocols and confidentiality standards.
• Participate in grant reporting processes by tracking relevant data, client outcomes, and community engagement activities.
• Contribute to the development of outreach materials, referral guides, and educational content to enhance service delivery and engagement.
• Assist in any other identified programmatic areas necessary to achieve Sanar’s mission and vision

Required Professional Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree OR a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in direct services.
• Minimum of two years’ experience (internships or volunteer can be counted) supporting individuals impacted by trauma or community education.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently and in collaboration with a team
• Strong public speaking and networking skills
• Experience and sensitivity working in multi-cultural environments.
• Alignment with Sanar’s mission, vision, and core values
• Excellent Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Professional Competencies

• Individuals with lived experience of TBSV, Newark residents, and Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply
• Proficiency with MailChimp, Canva, and social media messaging
• Strong personal practice of self-care and wellness-based supports

About the Sanar Institute

Sanar, meaning “to heal” in Spanish, is dedicated to the healing of individuals and communities impacted by traumatic violence. Sanar is recognized as an international leader in fostering resilience through evidence-based, community led and lived experience driven approaches. Sanar has two key programs:

1. Sanar’s Wellness Center provides evidence-based, trauma-specific mental health services to individuals with lived experience of human trafficking, sexual violence, domestic violence and image-based sexual abuse. Located in Newark, New Jersey, Sanar’s Wellness Center specializes in healing services available in English and Spanish.
2. Sanar’s Thrive Initiative provides training and technical assistance for multidisciplinary stakeholders while supporting the wellbeing of trauma-exposed frontline professionals at the local, national, and global level.

At Sanar, we believe healing is a human right and work to ensure all individuals and communities have access to trauma-conscious care.

Sanar offers an excellent benefits package including 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance plans with an option to elect additional coverage with a staff contribution , a 401k program with 4% match from Sanar, 100% paid life insurance, employer paid CEU and license renewal fees, professional development funds, remote work stipend, parking reimbursement, quarterly wellness days, weekly paid time to access mental health and wellness care, in addition to a generous paid time off program with 15 days in the first year of employment and 14 paid holidays, on of which is employee determined. Sanar also offers hybrid scheduling, a supportive work environment that encourages professional and personal development, a commitment to self-care and convenient headquarters located in Newark, New Jersey near Penn Station.

Sanar offers an excellent benefits package including 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance plans with an option to elect additional coverage with a staff contribution , a 401k program with 4% match from Sanar, 100% paid life insurance, professional development funds, parking reimbursement, quarterly wellness days, weekly paid time to access mental health and wellness care, in addition to a generous paid time off program with 15 days in the first year of employment and 14 paid holidays, one of which is employee determined. Sanar also offers hybrid scheduling, a supportive work environment that encourages professional and personal development, a commitment to self-care and convenient headquarters located in Newark, New Jersey near Penn Station.

Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply, but not required.