This content was published: December 28, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC): Want to get involved in direct service? Become a Support Line Advocate!
Posted by hannah.cherry
Become a Support Line Advocate!
Volunteer advocates are often the first line of contact for individuals seeking emotional support, information, resources, and medical and legal advocacy around sexual assault and exploitation in Washington and Multnomah Counties. Advocates provide these confidential services in two ways: (1) telephone response and (2) in-person response at safe locations such as hospitals, police departments and youth shelters.
As a Support Line Advocate you will:
- Contribute to the mission of SARC, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers and community partners
- Positively impact our community by providing confidential support services to individuals impacted by sexual violence
- Gain advanced training around the dynamics of sexual assault and child commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC), as well as practical crisis response and supportive advocacy skills
Qualifications:
- 12-month minimum commitment
- Complete SARC’s 50-hour training (next training scheduled for February 2016)
- Dedication to SARC’s mission and an understanding of its driving philosophies
- Ability to explore all options, free of any personal, political or religious bias, and support individuals in whatever decisions they make
- Eagerness to create the best possible environment for survivors by working in collaboration with hospital staff, law enforcement, shelter administrators, and other community members delivering support
- Maintain confidentiality
- Be 20 years or older and identify as female **In our experience we have found that most often, both male and female survivors are more comfortable with a female advocate. For this reason, this position is only available to individuals identifying as female.
SARC is invested in providing services to all members of our community. Bi-lingual and bi-cultural individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
SARC is a confidential agency, as mandated by our funding through VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), thus we cannot accept mandated reporters for this position at this time.
Contact Information
Holly Bonanomi, Volunteer Program Manager
volunteer@sarcoregon.org | 503.626.9100 ext 226
About the Organization
The Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), whose mission is to promote social justice by eliminating sexual violence in our community through education, support and advocacy, is a not-for-profit organization serving Washington and Multnomah Counties. Our free and confidential services include a 24-hour support line, in-person advocacy for survivors who are undergoing medical attention and/or filing a police report, case management, culturally specific services for commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) and young adults, individual and group counseling, and a nine-week prevention curricula for middle and high school students.