WEAVE’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. WEAVE’s vision is When Everyone Acts, Violence Ends.
Position Summary:
The Patient Advocate is embedded within Dignity Health’s Medical Safe Haven Clinic to provide in-person trauma-informed, survivor-centered supportive services to patients who are victims or survivors of sex trafficking. The Advocate works collaboratively with medical providers and clinic staff to identify needs, promote safety, and support healing by providing advocacy, emotional support, resource coordination, and linkage to WEAVE support and community-based services.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring survivors receive compassionate, culturally responsive, and coordinated care that addresses both immediate and long-term needs while respecting patient autonomy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Advocacy and Support
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Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy services to Dignity Health clinic patients who have experienced sex trafficking.
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Offer emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning tailored to each patient’s circumstances and readiness.
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Empower patients by providing information about rights, options, and available resources, while honoring patient choice and autonomy.
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Stay informed about local resources, systems, and policies affecting survivors of sex trafficking.
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Assist patients in navigating complex systems, including healthcare, legal, law enforcement (if client-directed), and social services.
Care Coordination and Linkage
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Assess patient needs related to safety, housing, legal advocacy, benefits, counseling, substance use treatment, and other supportive services.
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Facilitate warm handoffs and referrals to WEAVE programs and other community-based organizations, ensuring continuity of care.
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Coordinate closely with clinic medical providers, behavioral health staff, and social services to support holistic care plans.
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Serve as an embedded advocate within the Medical Safe Haven Clinic, participating in interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining advocate confidentiality standards.
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Support clinic workflows related to screening, patient engagement, and follow-up, as appropriate.
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Build strong, professional relationships with Dignity Health staff to promote trauma-informed and survivor-responsive practices.
Documentation and Compliance
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Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in accordance with WEAVE policies, funding requirements, HIPAA, and applicable laws.
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Track service delivery and client outcomes as required for program reporting and quality improvement.
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Adhere to WEAVE’s mission, values, and ethical standards, including survivor confidentiality and boundaries.
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Participate in required training, supervision, and team meetings.
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Practice self-care and utilize supervision to mitigate vicarious trauma and burnout.
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Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public health, psychology, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
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Minimum of two years of experience providing direct services to survivors of trauma, violence, or exploitation; experience working with survivors of sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation preferred.
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Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and survivor advocacy.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a clinical or healthcare setting while maintaining an advocacy role.
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Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in complex situations.
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Knowledge of healthcare systems, medical social services, or integrated care models.
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Bilingual or multilingual abilities reflective of the community served preferred.
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Experience working in multidisciplinary or co-located service environments preferred.
WEAVE is committed to providing inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplaces for all staff, including those with disabilities such as being in a wheelchair, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, blind or low vision or other access or functional needs and we works to equip staff of all abilities with reasonable accommodation to perform their job functions. These can include the provision of adaptive equipment, materials in alternate formats, and flexible work schedules. Our priority is to provide ongoing, individualized accommodation to give all staff access to resources best suited to their needs. If you require accommodation to access this job application, please send a request to [email protected].
Work environment is primarily a medical clinic setting in a two-story building with stairs and an elevator. Position is based on-site at Dignity Health’s Medical Safe Haven Clinic and will involve exposure to emotionally intense subject matter related to trauma and violence. Local travel (driving) will be required to conduct meetings and other activities at various area locations. Employees may need to move around and between floors, occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 lbs., or reach items above their head, below their waist, or stored in/on drawers and shelves. Employees may also need to remain in one position (i.e. sitting or standing) for an extended period while completing work tasks. Must be able to efficiently operate a keyboard and mouse or adaptive equivalent, write reports, take notes; utilize desk tools such as phones or calculators, and utilize larger office equipment such as printers and copy machines; communicate clearly and concisely with others; and apply above average reasoning and attention to detail as required in the accomplishment of job duties.
