Human Trafficking Victims Support Advocate

Human Trafficking Victims Support Advocate for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Location: Shelly Stayer Shelter - Immokalee location

Reports to: Residential Services Manager Employment Type: Full-time, Non- Exempt (Hourly)

Direct Reports: N/A

This is a fully in-person position with no opportunities for remote work.

This role requires a 36 hours commitment. Flexible scheduling may include some weekend days and holidays.

The Impact of This Position

Join our mission to restore hope and empower survivors of sex trafficking. You will play a critical role in guiding survivors toward healing and justice through our Long-Term Therapeutic Program at our state-of-art facility in Immokalee.

In this role, you will provide trauma-informed counseling, intensive case management, and advocacy for survivors. You will have the opportunity to work alongside an expert in the field and learn everything you need to know to provide trauma-informed services. You will also serve as a lifeline for those involved in the criminal justice system, jail, or active investigations, ensuring they receive the resources and legal support necessary to move forward. This position is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to make a tangible, life-changing impact on some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Employee Benefits Package ✅See What Comes with Working at The Shelter

The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package including full medical benefits, affordable dental & vision plans, staff appreciation events, a generous 200 hours of paid time off for personal vacation and/or sick time, and an employer match 401K program. We also encourage a happy, healthy, and whole work environment by empowering staff to maintain their wellness through fitness incentives. Full disclosure of details, policies, and procedures are provided upon hire.

Non-Negotiables

Education and Experience

• Associates degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields.
• Experience working in an acute care or trauma-informed setting, preferred.
• Experience working in the medical, social work, education, and/or first-response field is a plus.

Certifications and Training

• Completion of First Aid and CPR certification training upon hire.
• Successful completion of The Shelter’s Core Competency training upon hire.

EOO & Compliance

• The Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• Must provide valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must pass state and federal background checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete a drug screening

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of people (peers, senior leadership, law enforcement, DCF, community partners etc.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to engage in public speaking to conduct presentations throughout the community
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt seamlessly to various environments, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.
• Techy savvy candidates preferred. Must effectively navigate across various software platforms (Outlook, Word).

Essential Functions

• Advocate for victims at any stage of the criminal justice process and provide post-sentencing services and support.
• Assist survivors with victim certification.
• Collaborate with The Shelter’s Chief Program Officer and the full-time Human Trafficking Advocate to develop, implement, and maintain The Shelter’s long-term Human Trafficking program, including services, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct intakes and maintain participant records in accordance with program quality guidelines.
• Participate in program evaluation by documenting program outcomes.
• Provide emergency legal advocacy, criminal justice support, assistance with restraining orders, and injunctions.
• Provide individual supportive counseling, crisis intervention, emotional support, guidance, information, and referrals to survivors of human trafficking.
• Provide intensive case management services to human trafficking survivors enrolled in the program.
• Provide referrals and assistance based on survivors' needs.
• Respond to new leads and inquiries from potential program participants within 24 hours.
• Teach human trafficking survivors life skills such as cooking and self-care
  

Who You Are

• Able to prioritize effectively and work within tight timelines.
  
• Caring, compassionate, and kind.
  
• Collaborative, with the ability to inspire and foster partnerships.
  
• Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes.
  
• Composed and self-aware when facing challenges.
  
• Critical thinker and objective decision-maker.
  
• Curious, gritty, and passionate about The Shelter’s mission.
  
• Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish or Creole)
  
• Detail-oriented and accurate in work.
  
• Professional proficiency in English; bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred.
  
• Willing to take extreme ownership of responsibilities and contributions.
  

What We Value

• A culture of philanthropy.
  
• Adaptability to new systems and processes.
  
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
  
• Human connection and personal growth.
  
• Kindness, compassion, and open-mindedness.
  
• The Shelter’s 3 I’s: Integrity, Initiative, & Innovation
  
• Passion for our mission and eagerness to learn.
  
• Professionalism and leadership by example.
  
• Resilience and extreme ownership in facing challenges.
  

Inclusive Job Requirements & Anti-Discrimination Framework

You must be able to lift and bend up to 20 lbs. This role may require extended periods of sitting or standing. The described work environment reflects conditions typically encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations under the ADA will be reviewed in accordance with applicable laws. The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and job-related qualifications, without consideration of protected characteristics as defined by federal law.