Working at LifeWire: 

At LifeWire, we are building a staff community of collaboration and creativity.  We welcome all interested candidates to send a resume and cover letter to hiring@lifewire.org.   

LifeWire values the growth and expansion of our linguistic and cultural competencies as a staff team.  Working fluency in the five most commonly spoken languages in Bellevue—Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese—is highly desired. LifeWire offers a pay premium for direct services staff and managers who are multilingual.  

Lived experience with domestic violence is honored at LifeWire, and we encourage survivors to apply.   

LifeWire is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, political ideology or creed, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, use of a service or companion animal, or any criminal history not precluded by our public funding or applicable law. 

LifeWire Benefits: 

All positions at LifeWire offer a hybrid work schedule allowing staff to work from home and from our offices in Bellevue.  We provide flexibility for staff while prioritizing support and services to survivors. 

LifeWire pays all insurance premiums for staff working .75 FTE (30 hours/week) or more.  Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for all household members, AD&D and Life insurance, and a Flexible Healthcare Spending Account.   

Employees who have worked at least 1000 hours in their first year of employment become eligible to participate in LifeWire’s 401k plan with employer matching up to 2%.   

For the first five years of employment, 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week) staff accrue 30 days of paid time off per year, 2 floating holidays, and 13 paid holidays. 

Survivor Services Advocate

Position:             Survivor Services Advocate
Reports to:         Survivor Advocacy Services Manager
Hours:                40 hours per week
Pay Rate:            Starts at $26.78 and up DOE (premium pay will be offered for bilingual fluency)
Classification:    Regular, Non-exempt/hourly
Reviewed:          September 2023

LifeWire is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value diversity in our staff. Survivors of domestic violence and Black Brown Indigenous People of Color are encouraged to apply.

LIFEWIRE MISSION/VISION:

LifeWire supports survivors of domestic violence on their path toward safety, stability, and healing. We work to end domestic violence by changing community beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Domestic violence is a human rights issue. LifeWire envisions a community in which every person lives in a safe environment, free from oppression and with the opportunity to thrive.

ABOUT LIFEWIRE:

Everyone deserves to live free from fear and violence. From a safe home, each of us can work, learn, play, and fully contribute to our community. At LifeWire, we help adults, children, and youth who have been impacted by domestic violence build safer and healthier lives by offering support, resources, and professional services.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

LifeWire’s Survivor Services Advocates support primarily adult survivors of domestic violence in East/North King County. The Survivor Services Advocate maintains a caseload of adult survivors and provides virtual, mobile, on the phone and in-person advocacy. They assist survivors with crisis intervention and safety planning, offer community education about domestic violence, (intimate partner violence), assist them in navigating the civil and criminal legal systems, connecting them to other service providers, and sharing community resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide survivor-driven and trauma-informed advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence. Requires a particular focus on supporting adult survivors and providing family advocacy as needed.
  • Remain knowledgeable of service and agency guidelines and procedures to make informed and independent decisions in emergencies and daily activities.
  • Work closely and cooperatively in a team setting with all staff, interns, donors, and volunteers.
  • Maintain organized shared spaces and personal work environment.
  • Participate in system data collection in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
  • Conduct outcome measurement and use applicable evaluation tools.
  • Complete necessary paperwork and statistical information.
  • Appropriately spend program funds and consistently track the expenditures as required.
  • Participate in continuing education, community meetings, and internal meetings.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of LifeWire’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Work experience will substitute for education.
  • Two or more years of experience in crisis intervention and domestic violence advocacy preferred.
  • Multilingual/cultural is preferred. Fluency to provide services in one of the following languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, or Farsi. 
  • Knowledge of domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and the effects on children and teens.
  • Experience, skill, and willingness to work with a culturally diverse team and participants.
  • Meet LifeWire background check requirements.
  • Access to reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Updated – or willingness to update – CPR and First Aid Certification and AIDS/HIV Certification.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office and customized services databases.
  • Work independently and as part of a team to deliver services.
  • Attend work regularly, including scheduled work time outside of typical office hours.

If interested in applying, please submit a cover letter and resume highlighting your experiences and qualifications to hiring@lifewire.org. If submitting by mail or fax, send to LifeWire Human Resources P.O. Box 6398 Bellevue, WA 98008-0398 FAX: (425) 649-0752

Family Mental Health Advocate

Position: Family Mental Health Advocate
Reports to: Survivor Advocacy Services Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay Rate: Starts at $26.78 and up DOE (premium pay will be offered for bilingual fluency)
Classification: Regular, Non-exempt/hourly
Reviewed: September 2023

LifeWire is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value diversity in our staff. Survivors of domestic violence and Black Brown Indigenous People of Color are encouraged to apply.

LIFEWIRE MISSION/VISION:

LifeWire supports survivors of domestic violence on their path toward safety, stability, and healing. We work to end domestic violence by changing community beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Domestic violence is a human rights issue. LifeWire envisions a community in which every person lives in a safe environment, free from oppression and with the opportunity to thrive.

ABOUT LIFEWIRE:


Everyone deserves to live free from fear and violence. From a safe home, each of us can work, learn, play, and fully contribute to our community. At LifeWire, we help adults, children, and youth who have been impacted by domestic violence build safer and healthier lives by offering support, resources, and professional services. We work with youth and young adults to develop healthy foundations early in life, preventing future violence.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

LifeWire’s Survivor Services Advocates support primarily adult survivors of domestic violence in East/North King County. Advocates provide individual advocacy on the phone, virtually, and in person. They assist survivors in navigating the civil and criminal legal systems, connect survivors to other service providers, and offer community education about domestic violence. The Family Mental Health Advocate works in collaboration with LifeWire and Sound Mental Health to provide wrap-around services for families that have experienced domestic violence. All members of the family are eligible to participate in LifeWire’s advocacy services, while each family member receives individual therapy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide survivor-driven and trauma-informed advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence. Leads coordination with Sound Mental Health and Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) partnership.
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with partner and referral service providers, particularly facilitating ongoing communication, coordination, and services facilitation.
  • Coordinate and facilitate regular consult meetings between Sound and MIDD mental health therapists and LifeWire
  • Remain knowledgeable of service and agency guidelines and procedures to make informed and independent decisions in emergencies and daily activities.
  • Facilitate support groups, education groups, and other meetings with survivors.
  • Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with partner and referral service providers, particularly related to parenting and family support resources such as our community partner KidVantage for the Survivor Advocacy Services team.
  • Participate in system data collection in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
  • Conduct outcome measurement and use applicable evaluation tools.
  • Complete necessary paperwork and statistical information.
  • Appropriately spend program funds and consistently track the expenditures as required.
  •  Access to reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Provide transportation to participants in agency vehicles, as needed.
  • Participate in continuing education, community meetings and internal meetings.
  • Work irregular hours, including weekends, as needed.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of LifeWire’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Work experience will substitute for education.
  • Two or more years of experience in crisis intervention and domestic violence advocacy preferred.
  • Multilingual/cultural is preferred. Fluency to provide services in one of the following languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, or Farsi. 
  • Experience working with individuals experiencing chemical dependency and mental health challenges preferred.
  • Experience, skill, and willingness to work with a culturally diverse team and participants.
  • Meets LifeWire background check requirements.
  • Access to reliable transportation and valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Updated – or ability and willingness to update – CPR and First Aid Certification and AIDS/HIV Certification.
  • Good computer skills.
  • Works independently and as part of a team to deliver services.
  • Attends work regularly, including scheduled work time outside of typical office hours.

If interested in applying, please submit a cover letter and resume highlighting your experiences and qualifications to hiring@lifewire.org. If submitting by mail or fax, send to LifeWire Human Resources P.O. Box 6398 Bellevue, WA 98008-0398 FAX: (425) 649-0752

LifeWire Communications and Events Manager Plays Key Role in Passing the Female Genital Mutilation Bill at the Washington State Legislature

In a significant victory for women’s rights and the global fight against gender-based violence in Washington State, the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Bill sponsored by Senators Keiser, Dhingra, Cleveland, Nguyen, Saldaña, and Valdez was successfully passed and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on April 20, 2023. This accomplishment was largely due to the tireless efforts of community members and state legislators who share a commitment to autonomy and bodily integrity for women and girls.

Sukai Gaye, LifeWire Communications and Events Manager

Sukai Gaye, Communications and Events Manager at LifeWire, is a member of the Washington Coalition to End Female Genital Mutilation, which consists of women’s rights organizations, survivor-led groups, and advocates who worked closely with lawmakers. The Coalition led a powerful campaign that emphasized the need for legislative action to protect girls and women from the irreversible physical and psychological harm caused by FGM. Introduced to the WA Coalition to End FGM by her friend Absa Samba, a survivor and leader of the coalition, Sukai’s relentless efforts, alongside the collective dedication of the coalition, advocates, and allies, led to the successful passage of the FGM Bill

Governor Inslee with members of the WA Coalition to End FGM

Female Genital Mutilation, a harmful practice that adversely affects millions of girls and women worldwide, has become a growing concern for human rights advocates. Recognizing the urgency to protect vulnerable individuals in Washington State, Sukai committed herself to raising awareness, driving legislative action, and mobilizing support for the bill.

The newly enacted legislation not only criminalizes the practice of FGM but also establishes comprehensive support systems for survivors and preventive measures to eradicate this harmful tradition. Under this law, severe penalties await anyone found guilty of performing FGM or assisting in its execution, thus ensuring a stronger deterrent against this human rights violation.

The enactment of this legislation represents a milestone in the fight against FGM, positioning Washington State as the 41st state and a progressive leader in safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and girls. It serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism, effective communication, and collaboration between community organizations and lawmakers.

Sukai, driven by her dedication to promoting gender equality and ending violence against women, played a pivotal role in garnering bipartisan support for the bill. Her passionate advocacy helped shape a compelling narrative around the urgency of the issue, collaborating with the Coalition to End FGM and rallying lawmakers to take action.

LifeWire provided support to Sukai in raising awareness about FGM and its detrimental effects on women and girls within the organization. The organization ensured Sukai had the necessary support to carry out her advocacy work and amplified her voice. She kept the progress of the legislation at the forefront of organizational discourse in All Staff meetings and in LifeWire’s Advocacy Team which Sukai co-chairs with DEIB Manager Freddy Vega.

As LifeWire celebrates this momentous achievement, Sukai continues her crucial work in promoting gender equality, supporting survivors, and advocating for policies that safeguard the rights and dignity of women. Her commitment to social justice sets an inspiring example for individuals and organizations alike, reaffirming LifeWire’s belief that positive change is possible through persistent advocacy and shared action.


New Washington State Laws Relating to Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care

LifeWire welcomes and supports the recent enactment of a groundbreaking law by the Washington State Legislature in 2023, aimed at safeguarding the rights of people seeking reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment. The legislation comes as a response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, emphasizing the importance of states having the authority to establish their laws pertaining to reproductive rights. The new law, known as HB 1469 or The Shield Law, aims to protect access to essential healthcare services in Washington.

Effective April 27, 2023, The Shield Law (HB 1469) provides comprehensive protections for providers of reproductive health care services or gender-affirming treatment in Washington state. This law ensures that these essential services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Protected healthcare services under HB 1469 encompass a wide range of medical, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, and preventative care related to the human reproductive system. This includes services such as pregnancy-related care, contraception, miscarriage management, termination of pregnancy, and gender-affirming treatment.

One of the key provisions of The Shield Law is its prohibition on complying with out-of-state legal processes concerning protected healthcare services in Washington. This protection extends to both civil and criminal processes, ensuring that patients and providers in Washington state are shielded from potential legal actions in other states that may threaten their access to these vital services.

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is empowered to intervene in case of violations and enforce the established protections. Healthcare providers, employees, or affiliates facing threats or harassment related to their involvement in protected healthcare services can now apply for address confidentiality through the Secretary of State’s Address Confidentiality Program.

The passage of HB 1469 reflects Washington State’s commitment to safe and inclusive healthcare policies by safeguarding access to healthcare services and gender-affirming care without fear of legal repercussions. This law helps to ensure that Washington will remain a supportive healthcare environment that upholds the well-being and dignity of all.

LifeWire fully supports these legislative measures, as they align with our mission to empower survivors of domestic violence and ensure their access to comprehensive and compassionate care. At LifeWire, we remain dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive community where all individuals have access to the services they need for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

References:

  • HB 1469 – Concerning access to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment in Washington state.
  • Title 7 RCW – Sections 1, 2, and 13-17 of HB 1469 will be codified as a new chapter in Title 7.
  • RCW 9.02 – Reproductive Privacy Act

LifeWire Hires a New Co-Executive Director for Organizational Operations

It is my pleasure to announce to you that we have hired the new Co-Executive Director of Organizational Operations. Through a rigorous search process, the Search Committee, in partnership with the Executive Committee of the board and several LifeWire staff members and Directors, determined that Janeira Bencosme-Gil would be an ideal fit for our organization.

Janeira Headshot

The board and I are very excited about the skills, passion, leadership, and partnership Janeira will bring to LifeWire. After seeing her interact with members of the LifeWire team, it is evident we will be engaging in a true partnership that is going to result in optimal outcomes for survivors.

Janeira and her family will be relocating to the Pacific Northwest, and she will begin her work with LifeWire on July 3rd. While I could share many things with you all about Janeira, I’ll allow her to share a bit about herself below.

In her own words…

Since graduating college 17 years ago, I have spent the entirety of my career committed to the field of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence services. Before stepping into my new position at LifeWire, I proudly served as the Deputy Director for the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, at the Staten Island Family Justice Center.  These centers are co-located multidisciplinary service centers providing vital social services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.  I am particularly proud of my time at the Staten Island Family Justice Center because I was lucky enough to be part of the incredible team that brought the center to life, from the first groundbreaking to a thriving center empowering survivors. 

My role was diverse, ranging from managing everyday operations and establishing policies, to guiding virtual programs and participating in city-wide initiatives,  developing and implementing an all-encompassing community outreach and education program. 

Prior to my time at the Staten Island Family Justice Center, I’ve filled several positions where I worked closely with the Family Justice Centers throughout New York City, including as a Child Protective Advocate, Resource Coordinator, and Paralegal with the District Attorney’s office, where I worked on complex cases intersecting with issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and sex trafficking. 

Now, I’m preparing to undertake an exciting new journey as the Co-Executive Director of Organizational Operations at LifeWire, and I am thrilled to contribute my dedication and energy to the Seattle area. 

As a proud Dominican American Latina, this role provides me with an even greater platform to champion racial equity and social justice. 

The upcoming move to Seattle excites me. I am eager to engage with the local community and strive to make a positive impact. As a mother to two incredible daughters, I am passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, breaking down systemic barriers, and fostering a society that respects diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities. This new chapter in my career is not merely a professional transition, but a deeply personal commitment to continue to propel positive societal change.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Janeira and her family to LifeWire!

Theresa Anderson (she/her/hers)
President, LifeWire Board of Directors

Meet LifeWire’s Dynamic Leaders: Housing and Services Directors

Alexis Harden, LifeWire Housing Director, and Liv Montgomery, LifeWire Services Director photographed with Valarie Buford and Karlah Ramírez-Tánori
Alexis Harden, LifeWire Housing Director, and Liv Montgomery, LifeWire Services Director, photographed with Valarie Buford and Karlah Ramírez-Tánori

We are excited to announce that we have successfully transitioned our Survivor Driven Services to a shared leadership structure between Olivia Montgomery, our new Services Director, and Alexis Harden, in a newly created position, Housing Director. By replicating our co-leadership model for our survivor-facing services, we have divided responsibilities between advocacy response and housing programs. Leveraging and braiding the wealth of experience in community research and racial and gender advocacy that Olivia brings to the role, with the extensive knowledge in local youth and family housing interventions Alexis holds, this partnership has been seamlessly working with our staff community to assess, align and enhance our shared commitment to survivors.

The benefits of this change have been quick and consistent over the last few months with a breadth of successes, including new and re-imagined partnerships with organizations like 4Tomorrow, the only culturally specific DV organization in Bellevue serving Latinx survivors, as well as For Goodness Cakes, an organization both feeding and feeding-into the development of youth in Washington. In addition, strategic changes have been made to our internal staffing structure to remove barriers, exponentially increasing response times for all survivors seeking services

For survivors, these changes show up as in-person family support for families in our housing programs. Families have enjoyed building community through outings to the aquarium, zoo, and museum, as well as participating in LifeWire’s survivor-centered BBQs, complete with food, games, and prizes. And, in our newly organized office space equipped with a resource room stocked with hygiene items, diapers, and children’s art supplies. We look forward to future developments and are thankful to Olivia and Alexis for their commitment to collective leadership and leading efforts to open a path to safety, stability, and healing for all survivors and their families.