Part-time Outreach Worker

Metropolitan Family Services•Decatur, IL

3d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a part-time, bilingual (English/Spanish) Outreach Worker to join The Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group within its Legal Aid Society team. This role focuses on direct outreach to low-wage workers to educate them about their rights and identify potential employment violations or situations of human trafficking. The Individual Rights & Social Justice (IRSJ) practice group provides legal representation to victims of crime, with specific projects targeting victims of human trafficking, immigrant victims of crimes, and victims of wage theft. The IRSJ group also conducts outreach, training, and technical assistance across Illinois. As part of a trauma-informed practice, the team aims to reduce barriers for clients, including meeting them in safe locations outside of main office sites. This is a part-time position (25 hours per week) based in the Decatur office, with expected hours often falling in the evenings and/or weekends.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED.
At least one year of experience in a related field required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
Strong communication skills.
Valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and good driving record required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and/or weekends as needed.
Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
Must be able to learn and use required software and other technology.
Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.
Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Outreach Coordinator, Supervising Attorney, and/or Managing Attorney, work within a collaborative partnership to develop and implement initiatives that strengthen and support programs or services assisting or identifying victims of labor exploitation or human trafficking.
Engage in direct outreach efforts to low wage workers.
Through education efforts to workers and by building trust and rapport with workers, identify situations where there are wage/labor violations and/or human trafficking is occurring.
Travel throughout the state to engage in direct outreach efforts.
Work nontraditional hours (evenings, weekends) to participate in effective outreach.
Promote a better understanding of the anti-trafficking problem in Illinois; the recruitment methods used by traffickers; and resources available to survivors of human trafficking through community forums and training activities.
Maintain and complete records regarding information about each outreach, training, and technical assistance activity conducted.
Create and maintain detailed records of each potential victim of trafficking or labor exploitation, including demographic information, type of trafficking, and steps taken to connect clients to services.
Using the Vera Screening tool and other methods identified as effective by the Practice Group, screen potential clients for indicators of human trafficking, and conduct detailed assessments as available and appropriate.
Work effectively with diverse staff and service populations.
Perform other duties as assigned.