Trafficking Advocate

Job Details

Description

At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture that is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.
Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects of working with trauma survivors on our workforce, and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.
If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you.
Summary Description of Work
This position works as part of the human trafficking team working in close collaboration with law enforcement and the domestic violence / sexual assault program service team. The trafficking advocate provides comprehensive case management, safety planning, and advocacy services to survivors of human trafficking specifically those who have been sexually exploited and/or trafficked. This position advocates on survivor’s behalf with all relevant government and non- governmental organizations.
Intensive advocacy/case management responsibilities begin at this level. Educational requirements are very specific. Decision making, problem solving, and highly developed interpersonal skills are critical. This position requires high level of social work skills, practice and knowledge.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides crisis intervention and support to survivors of trafficking.

• Demonstrates advanced crisis intervention skills while working with a diverse clientele.

• Works in close collaboration with law enforcement and other social service organizations as it pertains to survivors.

• Assists the survivor in identification of strengths, needs and goals. Develops an individualized stability plan in cooperation with the survivor. Monitor and evaluate program participant progress.

• Provides case management and advocacy services related to meeting the service needs of program participants and helping them obtain self-sufficiency.

• Provide client transportation in personal and agency vehicles.

• Demonstrates knowledge of current community and Heartland Family Service programs and resources to meet client needs.

• Accurately and thoroughly complete all required paperwork and data entry per agency policies and funding guidelines and within prescribed timelines.

• Participate in weekly team meetings with HFS program staff.

• Work is completed in client homes, homeless shelters, office space, and other non-traditional settings. Ensure safety and security measures for in-home/outreach services are followed.

• In town travel is required, includes use of personal vehicle.

• Completes all required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for quality improvement and grant purposes.

• Creates, maintains and shares as appropriate a dynamic self-care plan.

• Strives to make connections between the agency and the larger community whenever possible in order to contribute to the agency’s ongoing fundraising and friend-raising efforts.

• Is able to work both independently, with little supervision, and as a part of a team.

• Able to establish regularity and dependability in scheduling all appointment and accuracy in reports and statistics.

• Displays a courteous and caring attitude at all times to the clientele, volunteers, and visitors of the Agency.
• Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Cooperates and collaborates with program area staff, volunteers, and other Agency staff.
• Develops personal and program related skills through participation in internal and external training opportunities including printed material and audio and/or visual media.
• Develops positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Performs other program related duties as assigned.

• DENOTES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree
• Two years experience in social services or related field
• Valid Drivers License and acceptable driving record

COMPETENCIES
Adaptability- Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change. projects a positive demeanor and has the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities without loss of composure.
Organization Time Management: Determines the appropriate allocation of time.
Task Management: Balances conflicting priorities in order to manage workflow, ensure the completion of essential projects, and meet critical deadlines.
Communication Skills-Understands that the most important aspect of communication is the act of listening and actively works to improve those skills. Speaks with confidence using clear, concise sentences and is easily understood. Produces well thought-out, professional correspondence to project a positive image of the business.
Customer Service- Interacts professionally with clients and associates at all times. Promptly responds to requests with accuracy and a courteous demeanor.
Team Player- Works as a competent member of the team, willingly providing back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively supporting group goals.
Judgment- Exhibits sound judgment and the ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction. Swiftly refers problems/issues to the appropriate person(s) when necessary. Works effectively without constant and direct supervision or guidance.
Proactive/Resourceful-Demonstrates the ability to foresee problems and prevent them by taking action. Utilizes analytical skills and a broad understanding of the business to effectively interpret and anticipate needs.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
(Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred
Bachelors or better.

Experience

Preferred
2 years: Previous experience in social services or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Job Type: Full-time