ACLF Blog

Full-time Community Advocate Job Description

About Chaya
Chaya, (translated from the Sanskrit word for “shelter” or “shade,”), founded in 1996, is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides resources and services to South Asian women in situations of domestic violence, and works towards creating awareness about the issue in the South Asian and larger communities. Our work is informed by a complex understanding of the specific cultural circumstances surrounding domestic violence in the South Asian community.

Chaya’s mission is to support South Asian survivors and families impacted by domestic violence and abuse, and to engage communities to change the societal conditions that enable oppression, especially violence against women.

Chaya envisions a just and equitable world free of violence.

Chaya’s Philosophy and Commitment
Chaya understands domestic violence as an imbalance of power within relationships supported and made possible by larger imbalances of power in society, such as racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, sexism, homophobia, classism, and ableism. We believe that part of ending domestic violence involves acknowledging and talking about the larger systems of oppression that give rise to abuse and violence in our lives and communities.

We provide services to South Asian women who are past or present survivors of domestic violence and abuse. This work is grounded in an empowerment approach in which we recognize and support each survivor’s worth, integrity, right to self determination and safety. We understand that the people we work with are unique, complex, and whole beings and that the domestic violence they experience is only one factor of many shaping their lives and the opportunities available to them. We support each woman within her own unique cultural context and are committed to improving a survivor’s access to services. We strive to do our work with compassion, respect and humility.

Chaya is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence issues in the South Asian context and inspiring and involving our communities to be part of this movement. In collaboration with our communities, we strive to achieve our mission by challenging systems of inequality and promoting positive social change.

Chaya also actively represents the South Asian perspective on key issue’s relevant to women at the policy level.

The Community Advocate Position
Chaya seeks a Community Advocate to work on domestic violence issues through providing direct services and community education/outreach.

Chaya has recently restructured its programs to take a more integrative approach. Chaya Community Advocates will work toward the same goals with different areas of emphasis. We’re searching for an individual who can bring flexibility, creativity and openness to our team in this time of exciting change!

The Community Advocate will be primarily responsible for the following activities:

Direct-Services:
- Respond to calls on the Helpline from survivors, family members and friends, and other service providers.
- Provide advocacy-based counseling* to survivors in a culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate manner.
o Advocate for survivors to safety plan, build support networks, process trauma, and heal from abuse.
o Make relevant and appropriate referrals for clients’ legal, medical, housing and related needs.
o Work collaboratively with other’s in the direct-service program, including staff and advocacy committee volunteers.
- Abide by Chaya’s confidentiality policies.
- Complete accurate and timely documentation and reports.
- Develop and maintain relationships with ally organizations, community members, and other
service providers.
- Exhibit congruency between the mission and values of Chaya and one’s interactions with the
community.

Women’s Health Committee:
- In collaboration with volunteers, organize and facilitate quarterly events to engage South Asian college community on topics related to domestic violence, sexual assault, violence prevention,
physical & mental health, healthy relationships, and related topics.
- In collaboration with volunteers, increase participation in Women’s Health Committee
activities and events by conducting outreach.
- Organize and facilitate quarterly meetings with Chaya's Women’s Health Committee
volunteers.
- Maintain and foster relationships with South Asian student groups & violence prevention
services on UW campus.

The Community Advocate will also be expected to devote a portion of their time to supporting some of the following activities:
- Foster organizational and infrastructure development.
- Participate in organizational committees with board members and volunteers as needed.

*WAC 388-61A-0145

- Represent Chaya on select coalitions.
- Advocate for key policy issues.
- Prepare and distribute education and outreach materials.
- Organize community events, forums, and trainings.
- Participate in South Asian cultural celebrations and other community events.
- Participate in fundraising activities and events.
- Conduct basic administrative/maintenance tasks to contribute to smooth functioning of office
operations.
- Actively promote Chaya’s mision by participating in awareness-building opportunities, such as
trainings, forums, panel discussions, etc.

Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity and experience with issues related to: domestic violence and abuse; South Asian
communities, and refugee/immigrant issues.
- Experience with community-based advocacy, social service work, and/or nonprofit
organizations.
- Experience in grassroots community organizing.
- Fluency in a South Asian language and English.
- Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working effectively with people in crisis situations.
- Experience working respectfully with persons of diverse ethnic, religious, national, educational,
language, sexual orientation, cultural, and class backgrounds.
- Public speaking skills and experience in planning and giving trainings.
- Flexibility to adapt and grow with a dynamic organization.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Reliable transportation and valid WA state driver’s license.
- Basic proficiency in Internet, MS Outlook, Excel, and Word.

This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits.
Salary dependent on experience.
Chaya is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply.

To apply:
We will begin reviewing resumes on 5/27/08 and the position will remain open until filled. Please send or e-mail a cover letter and resume to:

Chaya
Attn: Hiring Committee
PO Box 22291
Seattle, WA 98122

E-mail: hiring at chayaseattle dot org (written out to prevent automatic spam generation.)