Survivor Advocacy Internship

Unbound Now•Baton Rouge, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Survivor Advocacy Intern works alongside Advocates in the Survivor Advocacy Program, providing crisis response and ongoing individualized case management and support for survivors of human trafficking. The intern will also assist with administrative duties such as monitoring the client clothing closet, assisting with advocate documentation, and furthering the Dignity Program. This is a part-time, unpaid internship, with availability determined in alignment with the intern’s academic requirements, school-related goals, and Unbound Now's work hours and needs. The work is typically conducted in a standard office or professional setting, but may occasionally require performing tasks in environments with exposure to extreme weather conditions, fumes, odors, or elevated noise levels. Limited travel may be required for training, team/professional development, and client meetings.

Requirements

Mature Christian faith, as evidenced by participation in a local Christian church
Agree to and pass all required criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks
High level of emotional maturity and responsibility
Strong work ethic - consistent and reliable
Excellent organizational and administrative abilities
Commitment to excellence and professionalism in services provided
Excellent relational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability and willingness to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
Training and experience in survivor-centered, trauma-informed services
Ability to build trust and good working relationships with others
Appreciation of the need for cultural competency
Participate in ongoing training
Abide by all Unbound Now Policies and procedures, including Unbound Now’s Abuse Prevention and Response Policy
Complete and pass background checks before working with or having access to confidential information of any clients.
Complete the 40-hour pre-service training and risk management training before meeting in person with any clients.
Complete additional advocacy training throughout the internship.
Perform advocacy duties under the supervision of staff.
Complete assigned tasks within a given time frame or on time.
Discuss professional development and ethical dilemmas during weekly supervision.
Maintain confidentiality of clients during and after internship, in compliance with Unbound Now policies and state and federal laws, unless legally compelled otherwise.
Agree to abide by all Unbound Now policies and procedures, and comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including mandated reporter laws.
Arriving on time for all assigned shifts is essential
Commit to once weekly in-person meetings with the supervisor
Participate in weekly team meetings/case staffings

Responsibilities

Providing advocacy services for clients under the supervision of a field instructor.
Responding to calls from law enforcement, CST care coordinators, and other referral sources when on call and arriving at the victim's location within the required time frame.
Assessing vulnerability for exploitation of youth at-risk by utilizing the Commercial Sexual Exploitation Identification Tool (CSE-IT).
Assisting advocates in meeting the immediate physical needs of survivors (clothes, food, toiletries).
Assisting Unbound Now advocates in providing ongoing advocacy, case management, and emotional support to survivors.
Assisting with coordinating referrals, service planning, and documentation of services.
Assisting advocates in meeting with each assigned client according to the required face-to-face visits and maintaining communication through other means in between meetings.
Recognizing red flag behavior and reporting to the Director of Survivor Advocacy or the Regional Director.
Reporting any suspicions of abuse or neglect to the Director of Survivor Advocacy or the Regional Director, and to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), as required by state-mandated reporter laws.
Assisting the Advocacy Program Support Specialist with the client closet by organizing and assisting clients who come shopping.
Conducting comprehensive assessments, developing service plans, and making decisions in the field regarding the safety and well-being of assigned clients.
Documenting all interactions with survivors, their families, and partner agencies within the required time frame, generally within 24-72 hours.
Building and maintaining good relationships with organizations that provide services relevant to trafficking survivors.
Attending MDT meetings with other agencies to better assist clients.
Utilizing evidence-based and promising practices to provide effective case management services (relationship-based TBRI, trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and motivational interviewing).
Contacting partner organizations to gather accurate information that guides Advocates in providing services to clients.
Expanding the Dignity Program by contacting businesses to provide needed services for clients.
Attending training and conferences to gain skills and knowledge that will facilitate professional development and ethical practice.
Attending weekly staff meetings, supervision, and advocacy team meetings.
Participating in Unbound Now’s Advocacy Resiliency Group.