MISSION ALIGNMENT:
The Landing serves survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation through a trauma-informed approach fueled by the love of Christ. Applicants should be in alignment with The Landing's mission.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Youth Advocate provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, mentoring, and ongoing support to youth and young adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, as well as their non-offending caregivers. The Youth Advocate collaborates with law enforcement, DFPS, legal providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders to promote survivor safety, stability, empowerment, and access to services. Schedule Requirement: Participation in a mandatory 24/7 on-call rotation is required and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Respond to crisis hotline calls and provide in-person crisis response within required program timeframes at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, DFPS offices, shelters, and other community locations.
Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, assess immediate safety concerns, and develop safety plans with survivors and caregivers when appropriate.
Maintain an active caseload and provide individualized case management, advocacy, mentoring, referrals, emotional support, and service coordination.
Develop survivor-centered service plans that promote empowerment and self-determination and connect clients with housing, behavioral health, substance use, legal, educational, and other community resources.
Maintain regular contact with youth and caregivers and continually assess client safety, well-being, progress, service needs, and achievement of identified goals.
Collaborate with DFPS, law enforcement, legal providers, multidisciplinary teams, caregivers, and community partners to coordinate services and advocate for clients.
Provide criminal justice information, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment when appropriate.
Complete timely and accurate documentation of client contacts, services, referrals, progress, safety concerns, and case outcomes.
Make required reports to DFPS when abuse or neglect is suspected and follow all applicable program protocols.
Transport clients to appointments or meetings when needed and in accordance with program policy and parental/guardian consent.
Participate in community outreach, education, professional development, supervision, program activities, and other administrative responsibilities.
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers to strengthen resources available to survivors.
Maintain client confidentiality, appropriate professional boundaries, and a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach.
Participate in assigned on-call shifts and work evenings, weekends, or holidays as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn about human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation; knowledge of youth services, child welfare, and juvenile services preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication, case management, time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental services to youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to remain calm, organized, and professional while responding to crisis situations and working in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Self-motivated, proactive, teachable, and receptive to supervision and constructive feedback.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related systems. Valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and ability to use a personal vehicle.
Flexibility to participate in evening/weekend programming and the required on-call rotation.
Pay: From $52,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
