🚀 SART Advocate-Outreach Specialist

Reports to: Advocacy Services Program Manager
Job Type: Full-time (40 hours/week) with additional on-call hours as assigned
Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, union position
Pay: $24.04/hr.
Location: Portland, ME, with occasional travel to Cumberland & York Counties
Work Structure: Hybrid (in-person & remote)
About SARSSM
Since 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) has provided free, confidential support to people impacted by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking. Our work spans Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement, creating meaningful impact for survivors and communities. SARSSM offers a supportive, collaborative work environment focused on professional growth, with comprehensive benefits including PTO, professional development, 403b match, and health/dental/vision plans.
Position Overview
The SART Advocate - Outreach Specialist provides culturally aware, trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy and outreach to survivors of sexual violence in Cumberland and York counties. This grant-funded (OVW) position emphasizes direct services, outreach to targeted communities, collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, and public-facing representation of SARSSM.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, trauma-informed crisis intervention, safety planning, support, medical and police accompaniment, court advocacy (civil and criminal), and referrals to resources.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Coordinate quarterly Inclusion Community Response Meetings and MDT/SART teams; support the VIP grant Survivor Advisory Team.
• Implement OVW-approved training, resources, and consultation; conduct outreach to grant-targeted communities.
• Co-facilitate virtual and in-person support groups.
• Attend supervision, staff, team, and community meetings.
• Complete required data and grant reporting by deadlines.
• Participate in community events, outreach, and advocacy outside regular work hours.

Helpline - Required Responsibility
Helpline coverage is a core, non-optional responsibility. All staff serve as Advocates and provide on-call support for the 24-hour crisis & support Helpline, including evenings and weekends. Shifts are assigned on a rotation, with frequency based on staffing levels. Additional on-call stipend applies. The Helpline is the primary point of access for most SARSSM clients, and staff who approach it with professionalism and commitment thrive.
Qualifications

• Degree in human services, social work, psychology, or related field; 1+ year experience preferred.
• Knowledge of working with victims of crime, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking; willingness to develop proficiency in trauma-informed services.
• Multilingual preferred; must be proficient in English and one of the following: Arabic, French, Kinyarwanda/Kirundi/Kinyamulenge, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, or Russian.
• Strong crisis assessment and response skills; professional boundaries and integrity.
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, initiative, follow-through, and self-assessment skills.
• Adaptable; able to learn new skills quickly, problem-solve, and work independently or collaboratively.
• Comfortable performing community engagement and outreach, including meeting new people and developing relationships.

Job Requirements

• Complete 40-hour sexual assault advocate training and other required trainings within specified timeframes.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license or State ID; frequent local travel as necessary.
• Mandatory on-call Helpline coverage, including evenings and weekends.
• Technical competency in Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canva, and Client Management Systems.
• Participate in agency events, outreach/awareness, and donor engagement, including outside standard work hours.
• Employment is conditional upon successful background screening, including Child Abuse Registry, Maine Criminal and Federal Fingerprinting, and SARSSM probationary period.

Candidate Profile / Expectations

• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all responsibilities, including Helpline coverage.
• Approaches client-facing work, community engagement, and public representation of SARSSM with integrity, respect, and cultural awareness.
• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with colleagues, multi-disciplinary teams, and community partners.
• Thrives in a mission-focused environment, balancing independent work with teamwork.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and consistently meets deadlines, including data and grant reporting.

Equal Opportunity Employer
SARSSM values diversity and is committed to fair treatment of all employees. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter