Mobile Survivor Support Specialist

Overview

The Anti-Human Trafficking Mobile Survivor Support Specialist is part of a comprehensive response to human trafficking throughout Pennsylvania. The Mobile Survivor Support Specialist will provide emergency basic needs assistance and mobile comprehensive support services for victims of human trafficking in Western and Central Pennsylvania; ensure that appropriate paperwork is completed and maintained; and assist in data collection and submission. This position is part of “Operation PA STRIKE,” a statewide multidisciplinary team approach to combat human trafficking, with a focus on labor trafficking, it is funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and victim-centered services for labor and sex trafficking victims.
  • Approach must place priority on restoring survivor’s feelings of safety, choice, and control.
  • Services could include emergency basic need assistance that could occur during after hours, weekends, or holidays. This could include arranging an emergency hotel stay and transportation to safe location, providing clothing, and food to a client, and creating an emergency safety plan with the client until a more stable housing option is identified. This would be on a rotating on-call basis shared with other team members, and the Director.
  • Services will include mobile case management provided over the phone and in the community where the survivor lives. Once a client is assigned, required client forms will need to be completed within 30 days. Case management may include goal planning, financial assistance, referrals to medical, mental health, immigration/legal providers; assistance accessing appropriate benefits, housing, childcare, and employment resources.
  • Assist clients in searching for housing that will include coordinating the lease approval process with landlords. Coordinating the payment of rent/utility bills with landlords and appropriate companies when TSA is providing assistance.
  • Complete a monthly health and safety check for any client where TSA holds the lease agreement.
  • Maintain a caseload of at least 15 active case management clients starting in the 3rd month of employment. Seek out new clients when exiting current clients. Communicate with the Director if caseload expectation is not maintained for over 1 month.
  • Maintain contact with clients based on client needs, but at least one form of contact every 30 days. All client interactions will be logged via electronic case note in Community Services within 48 hours.
  • Develop a safety and service plan in coordination with the client.
  • Collaborate with other service provider partners to ensure follow-up and coordination of all aftercare services.
  • Connect clients with local Corps Ministry Team to encourage participation in the holistic program of The Salvation Army.
  • This is a community-based position. You will be required to be in the office at least one day per week, and in the office when you are not in the community. All client appointments are required to be posted to your Outlook Calendar with time and address listed.
• Participate and collaborate with multidisciplinary team in a multidisciplinary way that enhances the community response to human trafficking.
• Attend community meetings or training as requested by Director.
• Submit data reports and statistics to the Director as needed for funders, Salvation Army statistics, etc.
• Support in the coordination and development of resources and tools for the AHT case management program.
• Participate in regular team meetings, case conferencing and individual supervision.
• Strictly adhere to Salvation Army policies pertaining to confidentiality, release of information, and retention and/or destruction of records.
• Complete other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; Master of Social Work preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience working with those affected by human trafficking, domestic violence, or sexual assault.
• Experience with trauma-informed care, preferably knowledge of The Sanctuary Model
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must have a valid driver’s license access to the program van will be available to travel to set locations to meet with clients. Clients can be seen in the office, or at an agreed upon location.
• Ability to relate and respond to employees, management, and leadership.
• Solid understanding of MS Office.
• Professional-level communications skills verbal and written.
• All three PA Clearances required upon employment and thereafter upon renewal date: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, Request for Criminal Record, and Fingerprint based federal criminal history.
• PA Mandated and Permissive Reporting and The Salvation Army’s Keep Safe training required.
• Willingness to uphold and support The Salvation Army’s mission.

• Completion of Office of Crime Victims five-hour on-line course Understanding Human Trafficking, including the 41-hour on-line Victim Assistance training courses, and Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families child sexual exploitation, and sex traffic training within 30 days of hire date.