Human Trafficking Task Force Client Advocate

TITLE: Human Trafficking Task Force Client Advocate

On-Site, In Person Direct Services, No Remote Work
Bilingual Required
Full Time: 40 Hours Per Week

Hourly Rate: $17 + DOE (Depending On Experience)

JOB OVERVIEW:

This position reports to Human Trafficking Client Services Program Manager and constitutes a member of the Family Violence Intervention Services Department (FVIS).  Provides trauma informed, client centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate advocacy, case management, and support services to for victims and survivors of human trafficking identified by the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force. Serves as a Human Trafficking Caseworker pursuant to Evidence Code 1038.2, as well as a domestic violence counselor as stated in California Evidence Code 1037.1.

GENERAL DUTIES:

1. Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate advocacy and case management services to help survivors heal from their trauma and establish their autonomy.
2. Respond immediately by phone and in person to victims and other callers through the crisis hotline and/or Ventura County Human Trafficking Taskforce referrals.
3. Responds to victims, service providers, and community members through the 24/7 crisis hotline. Assesses the needs of victims, provide crisis counseling, information, safety planning, and appropriate referrals; as well as case consultation to law enforcement and medical providers.
4. Provide crisis counseling, engage client in ongoing safety planning, assess for basic needs including eligibility for public and community-based programs and link to appropriate referrals including shelter, childcare, and legal assistance.
5. Assist program coordinator with the development and implementation of an intensive case management plan centered around each client’s individual needs.
6. Ensure clients are offered and receiving appropriate interpretation services.
7. Collaborate with program manager, team lead, program coordinator, and other team members to provide victim advocacy and support during law enforcement stings and other operations planned through the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force.
8. Collaborates with other service providers for the benefit of each client’s success, including participation in treatment team meetings with child welfare, the Interface youth shelter staff and client’s therapist, as appropriate.
9. Coordinate with On Call Responders for in-person emergency response to victims, when requested by law enforcement and medical providers.
10. Coordinate application process, assistance and support for clients in need of Victims of Crime Compensation, Safe at Home, Domestic Violence restraining orders, etc.
11. Maintain confidential client files as well as complete and timely submit all required documentation, statistics and evaluations.
12. Maintain updated case notes, service logs and other documentation as required.
13. Develop appropriate relationships and maintain appropriate boundaries with clients.
14. Maintain lines of communication with supervisor and other program staff following each shift or for assistance when troubleshooting.
15. Participate in community outreach and prevention/awareness activities including speaking engagements, trainings, and groups.
16. Participate in planning sessions that contribute to the success of the program and Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force.
17. Support a positive working environment by demonstrating a professional demeanor and collaborative partnership with fellow team members, volunteers, partnering agencies and community members.
18. Participate in scheduled staff meetings and in-service trainings as required.
19. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual Required; English/Spanish or English/Mandarin. Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, Psychology, or related field or equivalent experience working with victims of trauma including child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.  Ability to handle emergency/crisis situations, as well as possess strong skills in decision making, case management, conflict resolution, leadership and excellent time management skills. Must be able to prioritize tasks, organize thoughts and communicate well both verbally and in writing. to work independently with minimal supervision. Requires flexibility with schedule as crisis situations may necessitate staff to respond outside of normal schedule. Must be sensitive and competent to serve clients from diverse cultures and languages. Familiarity with motivational interviewing, and trauma informed approaches is preferred. Must have completed or be available to complete the required Domestic Violence Counselor and Human Trafficking Caseworker Trainings pursuant to CA Evidence Codes 1038.2 and 1037.1 within 3 months of hire.

Must maintain the confidentiality of the shelter locations as well as all information pertaining to clients receiving services. Requires ability to collaborate with agency staff and community partners while demonstrating exemplary customer service. Must be computer literate with Microsoft Office and the internet. Must be familiar with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements. Successful background and criminal clearance required, including but not limited to, California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Proof of a valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation, automobile insurance and maintain an acceptable driving record as required by our insurer.