Program Coodinator

ABOUT US 

The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) was founded by survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and allies to end the violence of prostitution and change cultural norms around oppression, exploitation, and violence against women. OPS provides services in three areas: (1) advocacy, harm reduction, and services for survivors; (2) education and training on CSE and changing cultural norms of gender-based violence; and (3) technical assistance and policy efforts to increase survivor access to social capital and political power, improve services for survivors, and end CSE. Around 80% of OPS staff are CSE survivors, and we prioritize elevating and empowering survivors across the organization, movement, and our communities. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

This role coordinates OPS programming for CSE participants, with an emphasis on our economic empowerment program. The economic empowerment program is a nine-month, cohort-based job readiness program focused on reentry and support for formerly incarcerated participants and participants at risk of criminalization. 

To be successful in this position, an individual must utilize skills related to both direct service and program administration, but this is not an advocate nor crisis response role. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

This role is responsible for coordinating OPS programming for CSE participants, with an emphasis on our economic empowerment program and street outreach programming. The economic empowerment program is a new job readiness program launched in late summer 2022. It is focused on reentry and support for formerly incarcerated participants and participants at risk of criminalization. The person in this role will aid in the design and set-up of this program and will be involved throughout its execution. Coordinating OPS street outreach programming will focus on managing logistics and setting direct service advocates up for success and safety. 

To be successful in this position, an individual must utilize skills related to both direct service and program administration, but this is not an advocate nor crisis response role. 

Individuals with lived or professional experience in CSE and a deep understanding of the sex trade are highly encouraged to apply. Individuals with lived and/or professional experience with the criminal justice system, reentry, and the barriers caused by these systems are also highly encouraged to apply 

Economic Empowerment Programming (80%) 

• Collaborate with the Director of Programs and other appropriate staff members to create and implement survivor-led/centered curriculum, policies, and evaluation for OPS’ economic empowerment program, ' Game Changers.’
• Work with 6 participants per 9-month cohort, providing 1:1 professional/personal development coaching and resource navigation 
• Assist participants across the organization in job readiness activities such as resume building, career exploration, assessments, and mock interviews 
• Establish connections and partnerships with survivor leaders, reentry supports, and others who can provide workshops, coaching opportunities, and resources related to economic empowerment programming 
• Coordinate and/or lead monthly economic empowerment workshops, which include prevention and re-entry skill-building 

Outreach Programming (20%) 

• Coordinate quarterly outreach events to individuals actively experiencing CSE
• Collaborate with the appropriate staff to solicit, purchase, organize, and prepare outreach materials 
• Facilitate onboarding, monthly team meetings, and ongoing training to adequately prepare team members who are providing outreach services 
• Provide outreach materials and education to businesses along Aurora Avenue in North Seattle, and other areas that are known to have a high level of CSE, in order to increase awareness of our services 
• Follow safety protocols for vulnerable populations that involve domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or prostitution 
• General Program and Staff Responsibilities 
• In coordination with other staff, ensure the drop-in space is a consistent, safe, compassionate, efficient, welcoming, and interactive environment 
• Maintain program, client, and grant data tracking via Apricot 
• Participate in case consultations and debriefs with the Survivor Services team 
• Participate in community collaborations, training, meetings, and partnerships to ensure the most appropriate and culturally relevant resources and referrals are available for participants 
• Deliver all services and strategies in a manner that is culturally sensitive and centers the strengths and dignity of the person, and ensure encounters and interactions are respectful and responsive to the beliefs and practices, sexual orientations, disability statuses, age, gender identities, cultural preferences, and linguistic needs of all individuals 
• Contribute as an active team player who values transparency and communication 
• Other duties, as assigned 

To be successful in this position, applicants will have the following: 

• Passion to create social systems change including the active dismantling of patriarchy, racism, heterosexism, and classism 
• Ability to help find and build upon transferable skills from various life experiences or Knowledge of job coaching, career counseling, job training, and/or enterprise staffing requirements, particularly with individuals who have experienced incarceration
• Proven ability to make sound, proactive decisions in potentially emotionally charged situations and/or in the absence of complete clarity; comfortable utilizing de-escalation skills 
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• A passion for working with people, with a commitment to strength-based adult learning principles 
• Ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time 
• Confidence and experience in utilizing general tech and computer skills (OPS primarily uses G-Suite and Apricot Social Solutions) 
• Empathetic and compassionate listener with the ability to stay grounded and problem-solve 
• High comfort level in having one-on-one coaching conversations and facilitating difficult conversations with staff and participants alike 
• A working understanding of how trauma manifests in the body/mind, and the ability to provide resources for clients with codependency, addiction, and PTSD 
• Working knowledge of systemic oppressions including commercial sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, racism, poverty, mass incarceration, sexual assault, domestic violence, homelessness, and/or substance dependence 
• Effective written and verbal communication 
• Open to new ideas and communicating across differences 
• Energetic optimist with a commitment to the mission of OPS 

Preferred Skills 

• Understanding of CSE through lived experience and/or work/education history or Understanding of incarceration, reentry, and criminal justice systems through lived experience and/or work/education history 
• 1-year experience with program coordination and/or program development 
• A combination of work experience, lived experience, and education comparable to a BA in a social service or social science discipline 
• Knowledge and experience with local social service systems and resources 
• Experience partnering and networking with agencies 

Transportation and Physical Requirements 

This role requires access to reliable transportation and an ability to perform moderate physical work. 

Schedule 

The 36-hour work week is completed Monday through Friday, with the occasional evening shift and 1x/month Saturday shift. OPS staff can flex their schedules as needed, but standard work hours are between 10 am-6 pm. OPS employees are currently working a mixture of remote and in-person shifts. In-person work will include duties at our Burien office and outreach/partner meetings in Seattle.