Advocate

Job Summary: The primary function of the Advocate is to provide individualized crisis response and ongoing case management and support for youth and adult survivors of sex and/or labor trafficking, using sound professional judgment and best practices to ensure high-quality services and maintaining compliance with established program, state, and federal standards.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• Experience working with victims of human trafficking, victims of child abuse and neglect, or persons experiencing homelessness and/or addiction
• Bilingual preferred
• Preferred 2-3 years case management and/or crisis intervention experience
• Trained in trauma-informed care
• Trained in stages of change model and use of motivational interviewing

Job Requirements:

• Three references, (supervisor, professional, personal)
• Agree to and pass all required criminal background checks, including DFPS criminal history check and abuse and neglect registry check
• Pass employment eligibility verification
• Assist with 24-hour hotline/ crisis line on a rotational basis
• Willingness to use personal vehicle for work travel; valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, current car insurance

Critical Qualities

• Excellent relational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Good organizational and administrative abilities
• Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Ability to build trust and good working relationships with others
• Appreciation of need for cultural competency
• High level of emotional maturity and responsibility
• Ability to exercise discretion in caring for survivors in crisis and providing long term support
• Strong work ethic
• Innovative problem solver
• Ability to adapt immediately to changes in the field
• Commitment to excellence and professionalism in services provided
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times
• Ability to work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to self-care and wellness

Travel: This position requires frequent travel within the immediate area and occasional travel in or out of state for client transportation or training.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide advocacy and case management services and support youth survivors of human trafficking
• Independently coordinate referrals, service planning, and documentation of services for assigned caseload
• Assess immediate crisis needs of clients and address them appropriately
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop service plans, and make independent decisions in the field regarding the safety and well-being of assigned survivors
• Provide transportation (with parent or guardian permission when applicable) to appointments and services as needed and as feasible
• Meet regularly with clients to support case plan accomplishment
• In coordination with the MDT, help create and update safety plans for survivors
• Document all interactions with survivors, their families, and partner agencies within 72 hours
• Build and maintain good relationships with organizations that provide services relevant to trafficking victims
• Ensure case management in collaboration with on-going system and service- or investigation-based case management, continuing case management beyond others’ eligibility parameters. Ensure that case management is carried out in a manner that is relationship-based, trauma-responsive, and survivor-centered.
• Commit to weekly in-person meetings with supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and confidentiality including, but not limited to, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to the Executive Director.
• Apply specialized training and use professional judgment in determining the best way to serve survivors during crisis and on an ongoing basis
• Complete DFPS monthly and quarterly reports accurately and promptly (when applicable)
• Participate in weekly advocacy team meetings/case staffings
• Participate in all required trainings
• Submit expense documentation properly and within required timeframes
• Assist with 24-hour hotline/crisis line on a rotating basis
• Facilitate support groups as needed.