Survivor Advocate

MUJERES LATINAS EN ACCION INC

Riverside (IL)

Hybrid

USD 42,000 - 62,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

Retirement plan

Vacation and sick leave

Personal days

Winter Wellness Days

Summer Hours

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Mujeres Latinas en Acción is seeking a Survivor Advocate to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and education for survivors of sexual violence. The role supports medical and legal processes, offers accompaniment through exams and court events, and contributes to community trainings and coalition work.

The position emphasizes trauma‑informed, client‑centered practices, cultural responsiveness, and evening/weekend availability to meet survivor needs and program goals.

Qualifications

Bilingual, bicultural (Spanish/English) required; additional languages a plus.
Experience delivering training materials, curricula, and presentations.
Strong knowledge of domestic violence, trauma‑informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
Excellent facilitation, public speaking, written communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and advocacy for sexual violence survivors.
Explain medical forensic exams, legal processes, and victim compensation.
Accompany survivors to medical and legal appointments and court appearances.
Maintain caseloads and coordinate referrals; ensure trauma‑informed practices.
Deliver trainings and community presentations; participate in coalitions.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Training development

Trauma‑informed care

Public speaking

Facilitation

Organizational skills

Client-centered advocacy

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field

40-Hour SAT Training

Job description

The Survivor Advocateprovides 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.
Reports to: Sexual Violence Program Supervisor
FSLA Status: Exempt

Key Responsibilities:

Medical Advocacy:

Provides standby callafter-hourscoverage for medical advocacy services, whichincludesresponding to clients’ needs within 60 minutes at the Emergency Room.
Explains medical forensic exams, evidencecollection process, medical exam, crime victim’s compensation, and information regarding voucher for free follow-up healthcare.
Accompaniessurvivors throughout the medical process andprovidefollow-up within 48 hours of first contact.
Providessurvivor-centered, culturally competent, culturally responsive advocacy services in collaboration with ER staff and other medical personnel.

Legal Advocacy:

Provides informationon options for reporting to the police/state’s attorney offices.
Accompanies survivors to meetings, court appearances, and assists with filingsfor crime victim compensation.
Explain the criminal justice process, court procedures, and emotionally preparessurvivors for court requirements.
Assist survivors in obtainingprotective orders, Title IXaccommodations,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 sexualviolence through on-call, medical advocacy, and intake services.
Maintain compliance with documentation standardsand productivityas indicated by program, grant, and organizational requirements.
Developsand nurturespartnerships with medical and criminal justice personnel andstaysinformedonlaws and policies impacting SA survivors.
Collaborate with the Training Coordinator inthedelivery ofthe 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-HourSATraining preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

This position has a hybrid work schedule,which includes weeklyin-officepresence.
Standard office environment.
Must be able to occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 lbs.
Travel toother 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.

Benefits Summary:

Regular full-time employees are eligible for benefits

Medical: Multiple PPO and HMO health plans. (employee contribution required).
Dental & Vision: Optional plans.
Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement: Optional 403(b) plan.
Vacation: Based on years of service.
Sick Leave: Accrual of 5.83 hours per month for all full-time and part-time employees.
Personal Days: 5 paid personal days per year (accrued monthly).
Winter Wellness Days: 3 additional paid days between December and March.
Summer Hours: Early dismissal (1:00 p.m.) on alternating Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Paid Holidays: 14 paid holidays including Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Winter holidays.

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 mujeres@mujereslat.org. 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.

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