Residential Advocate

The

EVA Center is a survivor led exit program that offers respectful, long term, holistic, comprehensive exit services for individuals wanting out of prostitution/sexual exploitation. Founded in 2006, our mission is to work for systemic change and end the sex trade. The EVA Center is seeking a full time Advocate for a unique nine room emergency safe home program for women exiting out of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking and their children. Our house is one of only a few emergency safe home programs in the country specific to this population. Since 2006 the EVA Center has provided space, support and resources for those most impacted by the sex trade to find safety and stability in their lives, changing the narrative about sexual exploitation through legislation, education and awareness.
We are looking for a highly motivated person dedicated to ending gender-based violence to join our residential team! This position requires a highly driven person who can come to work with energy, compassion, and a be a real presence for women/young adults who often have long histories of victimization and exploitation. Candidates for this position need to demonstrate an understanding of the approaches and specific issues faced by people impacted by the sex trade. Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and prostitution are encouraged to apply.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that the principles of trauma informed, non-judgmental, strength-based approaches are maintained, creating an environment of healing and wellness. Build a healthy positive culture that successfully achieves meaningful results for participants.
  
• Work with the house manager and other advocates to oversee daily operations of the safe home. Fairly and consistently implement safe home policies and practices. Work with all staff to ensure cooperation and safe and clean conditions for residents and staff.
  
• Create transformational relationships with participants. Advocate for their needs, help them create plans for exiting the sex trade, and provide referrals related to housing, public benefits, employment, education, and other issues.
  
• Assist participants in making informed decisions, fostering an environment that promotes harmony, respect, partnership, healing and thriving.
  
• Respond effectively to crisis intervention/de-escalation and conflict mediation for participants.
  
• Maintain current and accurate records of services, updating database information and ensuring participant files are up to date.
  
• Work with other staff to organize and manage inventory supplies and program materials, attend staff meetings, monitoring schedules and time sheets.
  
• Develop and maintain relationships with community providers to enhance supports and services available to participants within a wide range of health, wellness, education and employment opportunities.
  
• Provide support and executes special projects as requested by Program Director.
  
• Participate in team and agency meetings. Works as a team player and close collaborator with other Casa Myrna departments and programs.
  
• Develop own professional development plan and attends trainings, meetings, and conferences within Casa Myrna and in the community.
  
• Embody and model the values of the Center, sisterhood/self-determination, and social justice.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS

• Deeply committed to the mission and vision of the EVA Center, understanding the various systems and the current landscape of services, and system change work locally and nationally. Committed to Casa Myrna�s values and mission of ending domestic and dating violence and commercial exploitation and promoting social justice and social change.
  
• A deep and personal knowledge of prostitution, the issues facing marginalized young women exiting out of the sex trade, trauma, trauma theory, and exiting out of prostitution. Personal history as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation is highly preferred.
  
• Minimum of 2 years demonstrated experience working as an activist, community organizer, or advocate, particularly in the field of ending sexual exploitation.
  
• A high level of integrity and comfort with unpredictability and unknowns. Ability to manage conflict resolution effectively and to adequately respond to extremely complex situations. Ability to support survivors in crisis with empathy while maintaining boundaries
  
• Demonstrated ability to utilize appropriate, non-judgmental communication techniques when responding to survivors that illustrates sensitivity to their experiences and needs. Ability to work and advocate in a collaborative style with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic groups, as well as diversity based on ability/disability, sexual orientation and religion.
  
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other staff and organizations.
  
• Strong leadership skills, ability to work with a diverse staff and program participants.
  
• Promote an atmosphere of respect and cooperation; maintain confidentiality regarding program participants.
  
• Innovative, thoughtful, and action oriented.
  
• Ability to travel throughout Boston required, access to reliable transportation.
  
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends as needed.
  

Salary: $53,000-$58,000 annualized ($29.12-$31.87 hourly)
Location: Boston (South End)
Hours: full-time (4 days and 35 hours/week)
Benefits: Casa Myrna offers family friendly schedule; generous paid time off and holidays; health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; flexible spending account; health reimbursement account; retirement savings plan with employer match; Employee Assistance Program; and opportunities for professional development
Casa Myrna is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity and hiring people with diverse life experiences. Survivors, people who are bilingual/bicultural, persons of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. If reasonable accommodations are needed during recruitment process, email hr@casamyrna.org.

Pay Range: $29.12 - $31.87 per hour