Part-time Outreach Worker

Metropolitan Family Services•Decatur, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) Outreach Worker to join The Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group within their Legal Aid Society team. This part-time position (25 hours per week) 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 role involves travel throughout Illinois, working non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends), and maintaining detailed records of outreach activities and potential victim information. The Outreach Worker will use screening tools to identify indicators of human trafficking and connect clients to services. This position is based in the Decatur office and is part of a trauma-informed practice that aims to reduce barriers for clients, including meeting clients in safe locations outside of main office locations.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED.
At least one year experience in related field required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
Strong communications 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.
Must be able to learn and use required software and other technology.
Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.
Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.

Nice To Haves

This position involves travel within Illinois.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Outreach Coordinator, Supervising Attorney, and/or Managing Attorney works within collaborative partnership to develop and implement initiative, which strengthen and support programs or services that assist or identify victims of labor exploitation or human trafficking.
Engage in direct outreach efforts to low wage workers.
Through education efforts to worker and by building trust and rapport with workers, identifies situations where there are wage/labor violations and/or human trafficking is occurring.
Travels throughout the state to engage in direct outreach efforts.
Works nontraditional hours (evenings, weekends) to participate in effective outreach.
Promotes a better understanding of 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.
Maintains and completes records regarding information about each outreach, training, and technical assistance activity conducted.
Creates and maintains detailed records of each potential victim of trafficking or labor exploitation including demographic information, type of trafficking, and steps taken to connect client to services.
Using the Vera Screening tool and other methods identified as effective by the Practice Group, screen potential client for indicators on human trafficking, conduct detailed assessment as available and appropriate.
Works effectively with diverse staff and service population
Other Duties as Assigned.