Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Specialist

Project Harmony - Haven for Abuse Response Members•Omaha, NE

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

Project Harmony is seeking an experienced and committed Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Specialist (MATYS) to join their organization. This position focuses on working with youth and young adults (up to 24 years old) who are at high risk of sexual exploitation/trafficking and their caregivers. It requires a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach, including meeting clients in their homes and/or other community locations. The role involves close collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement, prosecutors, child protection services, juvenile justice, mental health providers, and other community organizations. The specialist will provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and other support services, requiring extensive engagement to build trusting relationships due to the complexity of trafficking and lengthy investigations. Project Harmony's mission is to provide effective, immediate, and sensitive support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members, with a vision to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect. They are committed to diversity and inclusion, strategic innovation, quality service, and collaborative relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or related field.
Experience working with high-risk youth/young adults and/or youth/young adult survivors of labor and sex exploitation and/or trafficking preferred.
Experience working with the criminal justice and child welfare systems is preferred.
Training in working with children and families impacted by child abuse/neglect.
Training in crisis intervention, case management (both in-home and community-based), and trauma-informed care.
Good working knowledge of community resources and judicial system.
Knowledge and understanding of family violence, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system.
Demonstrated communication skills (written, verbal, and active listening).
Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with persons of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Demonstrated strong organizational, time management, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to resolve conflicts.
Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Products (Word, Outlook, etc.).
Ability to be flexible, adjust to a quickly changing schedule, and handle distractions, interruptions, and stressful situations.
High level of professionalism.
Strong engagement skills and ability to maintain trust with clients over an extended service delivery period.
Ability to set limits and appropriate boundaries with clients.
High level of initiative and energy.
Must be a self-starter and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Exceptional work ethic.
Must respect and maintain confidentiality.
Must be willing to work flexible hours and provide on-call coverage nights and weekends on a rotating basis.
Must submit to a thorough criminal history background check.
Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
Position involves some travel, primarily within the state.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience working with high-risk youth/young adults and/or youth/young adult survivors of labor and sex exploitation and/or trafficking preferred.
Experience working with the criminal justice and child welfare systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in reviewing all police reports from Omaha Police Department involving missing juveniles to determine program eligibility and acceptance.
Collect information on missing/trafficked youth from child welfare, criminal justice, and Project Harmony sites to coordinate care with child protection, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and other community providers.
Conduct comprehensive client assessments affecting these individuals and family functioning.
Provide comprehensive case management services to high-risk youth and/or youth survivors of human trafficking within their homes and other community locations.
Provide education and advocacy to reduce barriers or challenges within employment, housing, mental health, physical health, and other social service systems.
Collaborate with clients to create safety plans, community reintegration plans, and reconnection to family or informal support plans.
Work closely with local, state, and/or federal law enforcement agencies throughout trafficking investigations.
Assist clients with victim impact statements, protection orders, and other related legal matters.
Prepare youth to testify and attend court hearings to support them through criminal prosecution of their trafficker, and provide testimony in criminal court regarding your role/services with the trafficking victim.
Complete all required documentation and follow-up in a timely manner to ensure an effective and coordinated service delivery response.
Collect statistics and implement quality improvement procedures aligned to best practices.
Maintain a comprehensive list of community treatment providers and resources for families, and coordinate referrals with other professionals, organizations, and agencies.
Actively participate in consultation, supervision, team meetings, and collaboration with other agencies and service providers on behalf of clients.
Co-facilitate psychoeducational groups for high-risk youth and their caregivers.
Ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
Participate in community engagement and training opportunities to educate the community about the Missing and Trafficked Youth Program, dynamics, and trends.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services.