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Peer Advocate/Substance Abuse Specialist

The EVA Center, a project of Casa Myrna

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JOB OPENING

Peer Advocate/Substance Abuse Specialist
Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Salaried
Located in Boston

The EVA Center is a survivor led exit program that offers respectful, long term, holistic, comprehensive exit services for women wanting out of sexual exploitation (prostitution/trafficking). The substance abuse specialist will be an integral part of our team of advocates and key to providing and connecting women caught in systems of prostitution to needed resources and safety.

We are seeking a committed and highly motivated person with a personal history and knowledge about exploitation and substance use to act as liaison with the treatment community.

Peer Advocates use their lived experience to advocate on behalf of and with individuals who are experiencing sexual exploitation and need assistance. Peer support is non-judgmental, values driven approach, advocating for human rights and dignity, focusing on mutual relationships. We are a growing project that is working to expand needed housing options as well as challenging public perceptions and knowledge of the many socio-economic and situational factors contributing to women’s and girls’ entry into the sex trade.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Draws on own experience as a survivor to create and maintains a partnership with each participant, assisting each person to articulate and prioritize goals, including wellness and recovery goals.
  • Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable.
  • Works to increase knowledge of the exiting process within the substance abuse community.
  • Coordinate and consult with the treatment community and follow up regarding aftercare with various agencies.
  • Works within criminal justice settings, particularly drug courts.
  • Networks and communicates with referral sources to ensure participants needs and goals are met.
  • Develops external support structures to facilitate sustained community integration.
  • Keeps accurate and complete records of all services and activities as required, including but not limited to: data entry into the Casa Myrna database, maintaining weekly progress notes, and maintaining complete and current participant files.
  • Develops relationships with community providers and serves as a spokesperson on issues of commercial sexual exploitation.
  • Represents and supports the vision and mission of the EVA Center.
  • Participate in on-call rotation and some activities outside normal business hours.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Personal history as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation as an adolescent or adult, understanding the variety of models/issues of addiction and other problems related to substance use.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population of women, ability to be flexible and able to manage multiple projects and complex situations and work as a team member.
  • Associate or BA degree preferred and/or minimum of two years of related work experience.
  • Must have valid driver’s license, car and ability to travel throughout the Boston area.
  • Promote an atmosphere of respect and cooperation; maintain confidentiality as per EVA Center/Casa Myrna policies, ability to effectively interact with the general public, corrections, police, and co-workers.
  • Maintains confidentiality regarding program participants and shelter locations.

Salary: Commensurate with experience
Location: Boston

The EVA Center is committed to working for economic and social justice for staff as well as participants and believes in offering its staff competitive salary and is open to innovation and opportunities to do meaningful work within a supportive work environment.

The EVA Center and Casa Myrna equal opportunity employers committed to workforce diversity and hiring people with diverse life experiences. Survivors, people who are bilingual/bicultural, persons of color, people with disabilities and LGBQ/T people are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply please email your send resume and cover letter to Cherie Jimenez, program director to: cherie@evacenter.org with subject line: peer advocate.