IMPACT Youth Advocate - Charleston, United States - Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center

Description

Job Description:

The IMPACT Youth Advocate supports Dee Norton's anti-trafficking efforts through providing intensive multidisciplinary case coordination and clinical support/advocacy for minor victims of sex and labor trafficking. This position assists with the development and implementation of activities of the IMPACT Program (Improving Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Address Child Trafficking), the goal of which is to improve the multidisciplinary response to child trafficking. The IMPACT Youth Advocate works with multidisciplinary professionals to conduct intensive case coordination in facilitation of a collaborative, trauma-informed response to child trafficking. The IMPACT Youth Advocate provides orientation to clients on services available, establishes rapport and engages clients in assessment of needs using a strength-based and holistic approach, and also conducts safety planning as needed.

Job Details:

Clinical Services and Case Coordination

• Ensure that high-risk youth receive a coordinated community response, with the client needs at the center of all multidisciplinary services.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary partners in the management of cases referred to the IMPACT Program to reduce duplication of services and to streamline service delivery.
• Provide expert consultation to multidisciplinary professionals on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), trafficking and related issues.
• Act as a liaison between Dee Norton and its community partners involved in cases of CSEC/trafficking.
• Participate in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Case Staffings for CSEC/trafficking youth.
• Provide direct clinical support/advocacy and court accompaniment for youth on IMPACT caseloads with DJJ and/or Family Court involvement.
• Assist youth and families with accessing referred services by scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, providing information from therapist, etc.
• Conduct youth orientations, youth engagement assessments, safety/risk assessments, and trauma-focused mental health assessments for high-risk youth and confirmed CSEC/trafficking victims.
• Develop recommendations regarding service needs incorporating information obtained through testing instruments and clinical assessment of the youth.
• Work with the medical providers to ensure high-risk youth and trafficking victims receive appropriate medical care as part of a coordinated response.
• Assist forensic interviewers with coordinating the outcome of the forensic interview with the appropriate parties (e.g., DSS, law enforcement, etc.)
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of all requests for services, and document all follow up coordination. This is to include entering necessary documentation in appropriate databases.

Program Support

• Work with IMPACT Leadership to identify and address gaps and/or duplication of services for minor victims of trafficking in the community.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and ongoing activities of the IMPACT Program.
• Gather, maintain and document metric/data necessary for Program evaluation and for Dee Norton to meet any grant requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to Dee Norton's Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• Attend appropriate training workshops and conferences.
• Ensure direct supervisor and/or the Executive Director is knowledgeable about any issues that impact the safety, functioning and management of Dee Norton.
• Attend departmental and organizational meetings.
• Meet any other needs as identified by the Executive Director and/or Leadership Team.
• Abide by federal and state confidentiality and privacy requirements, as well as all Dee Norton Policies and Procedures.
• Abide by and meet all grant requirements and objectives.
• Participate in a minimum of four public awareness programs and/or fundraising events annually on behalf of Dee Norton.

Requirements:

Background Experiences

• Master's Degree in social work, clinical counseling, or other related field; independent licensure or license eligible required.
• At least two years' experience in victim advocacy which includes collaboration with community- based organizations and across multidisciplinary teams/systems.
• Working knowledge of community resources in the Lowcountry area.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Understanding of child abuse dynamics, commercial sexual exploitation, and current trends in the field of child maltreatment
• Demonstrated ability to excel in interpersonal communication and public speaking
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member with a commitment to collaborative work; strong networking skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and time-sensitive case issues; flexibility and strong problem-solving skills
• High quality written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage projects and events from conception through completion
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and to take initiative
• Ability to work well in multicultural teams and with diverse constituencies

Competency Profile/Core Values Alignment

• Contribute to an environment of trust and mutual respect.
• Maintain a high level of personal responsibility and ownership.
• Ability to work as a team member with a strong commitment to collaborative work with both internal and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to establish and promote positive professional relationships, and actively contribute to creating a highly cooperative work environment
• Desire to continually improve, seek learning opportunities and increase individual and organizational capacity
• Ability to take initiative and manage multiple responsibilities with changing priorities and meet

deadlines

Physical Requirements:

In this position an employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 lbs. Must be able to work on a computer and/or telephone for extended periods of time.

Employee Conduct:

It is the responsibility of every employee at Dee Norton to contribute to a positive work environment through: teamwork, positive, honest and effective communication, and professional interactions with

co-workers, volunteers, clients and community partners.