Anti-Trafficking Specialist for VOCA

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Chicago, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Anti-Trafficking Specialist for VOCA provides short-term, emergency case management services to survivors of Human Trafficking who are awaiting placement or transition into longer-term programs. Case management activities will result in 1) establishing a trusting and supportive relationship during a time of crisis, 2) addressing immediate safety concerns and stabilizing urgent needs such as housing, food, medical care, and legal protections, and 3) ensuring a coordinated and smooth transition into appropriate long-term services through active advocacy and resource connection. Carry out functions that result in achieving expected outcomes as identified in the STOP-IT Program Plan. Special functions may be assigned.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. The BSW is preferred, but a major in a related field is acceptable.
Minimum of 1 year experience in case management is preferred, bi-lingual is a plus.
Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance with insured automobile preferred.
A flexible style that also displays a willingness to learn.
An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes and policies.
Ability to maintain and project a problem solving approach in case situations with clients and inter/intra agency personnel.
A developing knowledge of the principles of social work, counseling, and case management.
An understanding of data management, procedure development and flow of information.
This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
This individual will keep the Program Manager informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.
This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
This position is required to do light physical work.
In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.
Willingness to perform off-site activities which could include home visits, work within schools or within community agencies.
This position may be required to drive a motor vehicle, read road maps, and understand directions.
Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others’ property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.
Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.
An interpersonal style that is service oriented as well as anticipates and responds to the needs of clients.
A communication style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army, communicates information appropriately, as well as fostering team relationships.
A developing knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.
Must be sensitive to and work appropriately with culturally and socio-economically diverse client populations.
An ability to work with confidential material.

Nice To Haves

BSW is preferred
bi-lingual is a plus
Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance with insured automobile preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide case management services as directed by the agency’s program policies and procedures, focused on assisting victims in leaving human trafficking. May be required to conduct a majority of direct service or outreach-related activities off-site.
Implements trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and strengths-based service delivery consistent with STOP-IT program philosophy.
Provides short-term stabilization services focused on immediate safety, housing access, emergency financial assistance, and crisis intervention.
Maintains an active caseload consistent with grant expectations.
Coordinates warm handoffs to long-term service providers and ensures continuity of care.
Develops transition plans to prevent service gaps.
Conducts an assessment of the victim’s immediate threat of harm.
Utilizes and implements the Motivational Interviewing model for assessing the trafficking victim’s readiness for recovery or for leaving their trafficking situation, for designing interventions for planning the victims' escape strategies.
Consults with supervisor in reviewing and assessing the current stages of outreach cases.
Develops and implements appropriate intervention strategies that recognize the current stage, and supports the victim’s movement to the next stage toward exiting trafficking. Regularly reviews client’s progress with the supervisor.
Identifies community resources and assists in developing linkages with providers and law enforcement that support the implementation of the STOP-IT program and the client outcomes.
Maintains frequent case-related contacts with local resources, collateral sources, public and private agencies and organizations, and law enforcement, to advocate on behalf of clients. Refers clients for services, as needed.
Obtains appropriate Release of Information before a referral is made.
Processes requests for financial assistance to clients within agency policy.
Initiates contact with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as a mandated reporter when child abuse or neglect is suspected.
Initiates contact with the Elder Abuse Hotline as a mandated reporter when elder abuse is suspected.
Keeps supervisor informed regarding case related subpoenas and attends court when appropriate.
Keeps supervisor informed of clients in crisis who may be at-risk, and any situation or incident that may require immediate attention, to prevent harm to anyone by following the agency emergency plan in the Policy and Procedures Manual. In a timely fashion, records such contacts, situations or incidents in special progress notes.
Maintains STOP-IT hotline as assigned and shared with other outreach workers.
Completes case and statistical recordings, and other required reports and record-keeping for assigned clients per manual on “Office Policies and Procedures.”
Tracks service units, client demographics, and outcome measures for ICJIA reporting.
Engages in bi-weekly (additional as needed) professional supervision with designated supervisor.
Maintains awareness of applicable liability issues and other applicable legal issues, and their potential to affect agency and/or clients.
Abides by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, including NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice, and the WHO Ten Guiding Principles.
Study and adhere to agency policies, procedures, and program guidelines.
Collaborate with other Salvation Army programs and staff to ensure coordinated, client-centered service delivery.
Understand and effectively work within the Mission of The Salvation Army.
Attend agency staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
Assist with general office functions as needed to maintain smooth program operations.
Participate in community meetings and multidisciplinary team collaborations related to victim services.
Assist with outreach efforts to increase awareness of victim services within the community.
Provide educational presentations to community partners regarding available services and victim rights when delegated by supervisor.
Participate in professional seminars, conferences, and workshops to maintain competency in trauma-informed care, victim advocacy, and legal updates.
Remain current on VOCA regulations and Illinois victim rights legislation.