Early Intervention Specialist

Unbound Now is ending human trafficking by identifying victims, supporting survivors, seeking justice, and leading system change. We are motivated by our faith in Jesus and work each day as individuals driven by hope, oriented towards service, and committed to excellence. To learn more about our values, please read our Statement of Faith. Job Title: Early Intervention Specialist Job Status: Full-time, Exempt Job Location: Houston Office/Hybrid Job Summary: The primary function of the Early Intervention Specialist is to provide support to youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation and their parents/guardians to reduce risky behavior, improve holistic health, and strengthen support systems, with the end goal of preventing trafficking and exploitation. The Early Intervention Specialist will apply sound professional judgment and best practices to ensure high-quality services and maintain compliance with policies and protocol. The Early Intervention Specialist will also facilitate prevention education and outreach for youth, and community and professional training, to identify youth at risk of trafficking and promote early intervention services. Compensation: Annual salary Benefits: Unbound Now offers a generous benefits package including health insurance for employee and family with premiums covered by employer; employer-paid life insurance for employee; and the option to participate in Unbound Now's retirement plan (with 3% salary match after 90 days with a 1-year vesting period). Dental and Vision are available at employee expense. Availability: Anticipated 40-50-hour work week; generally Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 with occasional evenings and weekends Travel: This position requires frequent travel within the immediate area and occasional travel in or out of state for client transportation or training. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a variety of venues and environments. Work duties may, on rare occasions, be performed in an environment requiring exposure to weather extremes, fumes, odors, and noise Job Responsibilities Complete Unbound Now’s pre-service training for direct service providers, including TBRI, motivational interviewing, CSE-IT, Casey Life Skills Assessment, and suicide prevention, as well as the online OVC training Understanding Human Trafficking Respond in an appropriate timeframe to new referrals for early intervention services Upon receiving a referral, conduct CSE-IT to determine eligibility for early intervention services After obtaining parent/legal guardian consent for services and release of information, conduct intake and enroll eligible youth (scoring possible concern on the CSE-IT) in early intervention services Refer youth who score a clear concern on the CSE-IT to Unbound Now’s CSEY advocacy services Provide early intervention services for youth, including addressing risky behaviors, helping build coping and life skills, and providing emotional support At the beginning of services, complete the Casey Life Skills Assessment, create an ecomap of the youth support system and stressors, and develop a safety plan with the youth Meet with youth in person twice a month during or after school to update safety plan, identify and work on goals, develop a service plan, and connect the youth to community resources Respond to the needs of the youth being served Apply specialized training and use professional judgment in determining the best way to serve youth Ensure that case management is carried out in a manner that is relationship-based, trauma-responsive, and youth-centered Provide transportation with parent or guardian permission to appointments and services as needed and as feasible Provide support to the family of the youth being served, including educating parents or guardians on risky behaviors, physical/emotional development, empowerment skills, including co-regulation and communication skills, safety planning, and boundaries Document all interactions with youth, their families, and partner agencies within 72 hours When considering discharge from services, conduct CLSA exit assessment, revisit ecomap, and request client survey Facilitate prevention-focused education and outreach with youth at risk for sexual exploitation at JDC, homeless shelters, and group homes Provide community and professional training to facilitate the identification of youth at risk of exploitation and promote early intervention services Recruit, screen, train, and engage volunteers to serve in prevention education and outreach and youth mentoring programs Alert the supervisor when difficult situations arise Recognize red flag behavior and report to the supervisor Participate in Unbound Now’s resilience group Collect and report grant performance measure data accurately and within the required time frame Submit expense documentation properly and within required timeframes Submit travel reimbursements daily, adhering to all travel guidelines Submit timesheet hours/grant allocations daily, adhering to grant guidelines (if applicable) Desired Outcomes: Eligible youth receiving early intervention services Youth scoring a clear concern referred for advocacy services This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The scope of the position may change as necessitated by organizational demands. Working Relationships Supervisor: Unbound Now Early Intervention Coordinator Works with: Houston team Supervises: Unbound Now Houston Early Intervention Program volunteers and interns Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work or related field Demonstrated ability to engage youth in one-on-one and group settings Minimum of two years working with youth and diverse populations Relevant lived experience is a plus Job Requirements Agree to and pass all required criminal background checks, including the DFPS criminal history check and the abuse and neglect registry check Pass employment eligibility verification Three references (supervisor, professional, personal) Fulfill Unbound Now’s pre-service, annual, and ongoing training requirements for direct service providers Abide by all Unbound Now policies and procedures at all times, including Unbound Now’s Abuse Prevention and Response Policy Willingness to use personal vehicle for work travel; valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, current car insurance Knowledge and Skills Excellent relational, communication, and interpersonal skills Attention to administrative details, such as case documentation, data collection, and scheduling Ability and willingness to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information Ability to build trust and good working relationships with others Appreciation of the need for cultural competence and humility Trained and experienced in trauma-informed care Trained in stages of change model and use of motivational interviewing, preferred Critical Qualities High level of emotional maturity and responsibility Ability to exercise discretion in caring for youth in crisis Strong work ethic with self-initiative Innovative problem solver Ability to adapt rapidly to changes in the field Commitment to excellence and professionalism in services provided Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times Ability to work effectively and without intensive supervision, both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team Commitment to self-care and wellness Physical and Driving Requirements Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a personal or company vehicle as needed for work-related travel. Occasional physical demands may require the ability to lift or carry loads up to 50 pounds. Frequent demands require close visual attention to detail and prolonged periods of mental concentration.