Survivor Advocate

Position Summary

The Survivor Advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones who have not caused harm, including accompaniment during medical forensic exams and guidance through criminal and civil legal processes. In addition, this role supports community education and prevention efforts through trainings, workshops, and coalition participation, promoting trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally responsive practices.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Advocacy:

· Provides standby call after-hours coverage for medical advocacy services, which includes responding to clients’ needs within 60 minutes at the Emergency Room.

· Explains medical forensic exams, evidence collection process, medical exam, crime victim’s compensation, and information regarding voucher for free follow-up healthcare.

· Accompanies survivors throughout the medical process and provide follow-up within 48 hours of first contact.

· Provides survivor-centered, culturally competent, culturally responsive advocacy services in collaboration with ER staff and other medical personnel.

Legal Advocacy:

· Provides information on options for reporting to the police/state’s attorney offices.

· Accompanies survivors to meetings, court appearances, and assists with filings for crime victim compensation.

· Explain the criminal justice process, court procedures, and emotionally prepares survivors for court requirements.

· Assist survivors in obtaining protective orders, Title IX accommodations, campus proceedings, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), Safe Homes Act, and other civil court activities.

· Maintains caseloads of advocacy clients and coordinates referrals.

General Advocacy:

· Provide crisis intervention, information, referrals, and linkages to survivors of sexual violence through on-call, medical advocacy, and intake services.

· Maintain compliance with documentation standards and productivity as indicated by program, grant, and organizational requirements.

· Develops and nurtures partnerships with medical and criminal justice personnel and stays informed on laws and policies impacting SA survivors.

· Collaborate with the Training Coordinator in the delivery of the SA 42-hour training.

· Supports and delivers professional trainings and community presentations on sexual violence and prevention.

· Represents the organization in coalitions, advisory groups, and institutional advocacy efforts related to sexual violence.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

· Bilingual, bicultural (Spanish/English) required; additional languages/dialects a plus.

· Demonstrated experience developing and delivering training materials, curricula, and presentations for diverse professional and community audiences.

· Strong knowledge of domestic violence, gender-based violence, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.

· Excellent facilitation, public speaking, written communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and build rapport across diverse stakeholders, including survivors.

· Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize projects, manage multiple deadlines, and generate accurate reports.

· Self-motivated, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism and empathy in sensitive situations.

· Commitment to client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive values, with demonstrated advocacy skills for and with survivors from diverse populations.

· Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Education & Certifications

· Bachelor’s degree required in social services or related field or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree preferred

· 40-Hour SA Training preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

· This position has a hybrid work schedule, which includes weekly in-office presence.

· Standard office environment.

· Must be able to occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 lbs.

· Travel to other Mujeres office locations.

· Given the nature of the position related to Medical Advocacy after hours a reliable means of transportation is essential.

· Work evenings and weekends as needed.

About Mujeres Latinas en Acción

Founded in 1973, Mujeres Latinas en Acción is one of the longest-standing Latina-led organizations in the nation, providing culturally responsive services that empower survivors of gender-based violence, promote leadership, and advance community advocacy.

Mission: Mujeres Latinas en Acción empowers Latinas by providing services that reflect their values and culture and by being an advocate on the issues that make a difference in their lives.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Apply now by submitting your application, including your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. Candidates selected for consideration will be contacted for an initial interview, followed by a second interview if applicable. We look forward to receiving your application.

Mujeres Latinas en Acción is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, military status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

As part of Mujeres pay equity commitment, it’s our policy that upon offering employment, we do not negotiate salary or benefits.

Pay: $49,000.00 - $57,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60608