Job Description: 

Starting Pay- $20/hour + Full Benefits

Rainbow Center
2215 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Rainbow Center (RC) was established in 1997 with the goal of providing a safe resource referral and gathering space for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and allied community. That mission is just as pertinent now as it was then. In the community we provide education resources, act as advocates and work to celebrate our unique histories.  

As a community center, the RC provides outreach and education on LGBTQ cultural competency, advocacy services for victims of crimes, and volunteer opportunities. We also provide meeting space for several community partners and host the annual Tacoma Pride Festival.

Over 100 people from all different backgrounds make use of the RC on a weekly basis, with visitors predominantly from Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties. Please look online for more information www.rainbowcntr.org.

The Rainbow Center is a proudly queer, anti-racist, affirmative action employer. Our commitment is to provide and sustain an inclusive and diverse work environment that reflects the community we serve. All employment decisions at the Rainbow Center are based on community needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. LGBTQ people, people of color, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Advocate provides services to community members who have been the victims of hate crimes, harassment, discrimination, or just generally in need of support to navigate the housing, healthcare, food, legal systems, etc. The Advocate provides front line contact and resource access to ensure victims of crime get services as quickly as possible, building trust and rapport from the start. The advocate will provide direct navigation and support services for systems within Tacoma/Pierce County/South Puget Sound region. 

The Advocate is responsible for the following:

• Be an on-site resource for community members, including crime victims.
• Help individuals determine what they need/qualify for among all of our various services.
• Assist with rental and food assistance as needed, and as resources allow.
• Help individuals navigate the various systems (legal, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, etc.).
• Where appropriate, assist individuals to write their victims impact statements.
• Be part of a team of advocates (including an Advocacy Manager, and a Community Support Advocate), as well as the larger all staff team.
• Attend weekly team and staff meetings.
• Respond to inquiries, phone calls, and e-mail in a timely and responsive manner, generally within two business days.
• Develop and/or facilitate workshops on awareness or prevention of various topics based on current needs of the community.
• Check in regularly on how the work is impacting you, and how to balance the stress and joys of this type of work.
• Provide staff support and attend Tacoma Pride Festival, the Black & White Gayla, and other events throughout the year.
• Speak publicly to community groups to better get the word out about the important work our advocates are doing.
• Participate in events throughout the year that are programs of the Advocacy Department.
• Provide back up to the Community Support Advocate, as needed.
• In conjunction with other Rainbow Center staff, regularly scan the space to ensure safety for all community members, volunteers, and staff.
• As we are living in a global pandemic, much of the work is done remotely. The individual must be flexible enough to work some at home and some at the office as the pandemic dictates.
• Work closely with all staff team members to make consensus decisions regarding programming, funding, procedures, and other needs that will impact the whole center.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or experience in behavioral health, social work, human services or similar field and one year experience as an advocate, or Associates Degree and two years’ experience as an advocate.
• Demonstrated experience, ability and desire to work and identify with LGBTQ community of varying socioeconomic classes, identities, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and work independently with limited supervision.
• Able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel, as well as with Google products (including Gmail, Google docs, etc.).
• Working knowledge of and/or experience with the transgender/gender non-conforming community and individuals.
• A strong commitment to an anti-racist framework.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Persons who are bilingual and multicultural, identifying with the LGBTQ, Latinx, or African American community.
•  
• Strong preference for bilingual Spanish/English competence.

HOURS OF WORK

Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00. With some evening and weekend hours. This is a non-exempt position. This is a full-time position with full benefits.

POSITION REPORTS TO:

Rainbow Center Advocate Manager 

HOW TO APPLY:

Send Letter of Interest and Resume to executive@rainbowcntr.org