Advocate (CSEY) -Tyler, Texas (Smith County)

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: Smith County CSEY AdvocateJob Status: Full-time, Exempt, Grant-supported (1 year, but plan to apply for continuance)Job Location: Unbound Now Local OfficeJob Summary: The primary function of the CSEY Advocate is to provide individualized crisis response and ongoing case management and support for youth survivors of sex trafficking, using sound professional judgment and best practices to ensure high-quality services and maintain compliance with established program, state, and federal standards.Compensation: Annual SalaryBenefits: 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.Schedule/Availability: 40-50 hrs/wk. Evening, weekend, and holiday calls required. Scheduling flexibility needed.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: Some work is performed in a normal office environment, other service-provider conditions environment, or other professional environment. Some work within the community, in high-vulnerability locationsJob Requirements:Mature Christian faith, as evidenced by participation in a local Christian churchThree references (supervisor, professional, personal)Agree to and pass all required criminal background checks, including the DFPS criminal history check and the abuse and neglect registry checkPass employment eligibility verificationMeet the legal age requirement to rent a vehicle and be willing and able to rent a vehicle with personal car insurance.Complete Unbound Now's pre-service trainingFulfill Unbound Now's annual and ongoing training requirementsAbide by all Unbound Now policies and procedures and care coordination protocols at all times, including Unbound Now's Abuse Prevention and Response PolicyWillingness to serve in rotation for a 24-hour on-call response, including evenings, weekends, and holidaysWillingness to use personal vehicle for work travel; valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, current car insuranceAt least 23 years of age or olderSubmit expense documentation properly and within required time frames per the company expense policy, and follow all Ramp Monthly Closeout Instructions and Process.Submit travel reimbursements daily, adhering to all travel guidelinesSubmit time-sheet hours/grant allocations daily, adhering to grant guidelines (if applicable)Complete all Unbound Now required training on timeExperience and EducationBachelor's degree in social work or related fieldExperience working with victims of human trafficking, victims of child abuse and neglect, or youth experiencing homelessness and/or addictionLived experience of trafficking or exploitation preferredPreferred 2-3 years of case management and/or crisis intervention experienceTrained in trauma-informed careTrained in the stages of change model and the use of motivational interviewingCritical QualitiesExcellent relational, communication, and interpersonal skillsGood organizational and administrative abilitiesAbility and willingness to maintain confidentiality of sensitive informationAbility to build trust and good working relationships with othersAppreciation of the need for cultural competencyHigh level of emotional maturity and responsibilityAbility to exercise discretion in caring for youth in crisis and providing long-term supportStrong work ethic and Innovative problem solverAbility to adapt immediately to changes in the fieldCommitment to excellence and professionalism in services providedAbility to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and maintain emotional control and professional composure at all timesAbility to work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary teamCommitment to self-care and wellnessJob Responsibilities:Respond to calls from law enforcement, CST care coordinators, and other referral sources when on call; arrive at the victim's location within the required time frameMeet immediate physical needs of youth - clothes, food, toiletries, etc.Provide ongoing field-based advocacy, case management, and emotional supportIndependently coordinate referrals, service planning, and documentation of services for assigned caseloadConduct comprehensive assessments, develop service plans, and make independent decisions in the field regarding the safety and well-being of assigned youthProvide transportation with parent or guardian permission to appointments and services as needed and as feasibleMeet with each assigned survivor weekly if in town; meet with survivors placed out-of-town monthly; maintain communication through other means in between weekly meetingsIn coordination with the MDT, help create and update safety plans for survivorsAttend CPS case staffings and MDT emergency response meetings and scheduled staffingsDocument all interactions with survivors, their families, and partner agencies within 72 hoursBuild and maintain good relationships with organizations that provide services relevant to trafficking victimsAlert supervisor when difficult situations ariseRecognize red flag behavior and report to supervisor or Executive DirectorWhen not otherwise available, provide an appropriate level of support to non-offending family members of victims to help create a good home environment to which the victim can return while maintaining needed boundaries.Convey a service-oriented approach:Communicate an eagerness to be helpful, starting with every referral, initial contact, and/or initial engagement and continuing through service delivery, with all stakeholders.Provide those seeking assistance with help, even when they are ineligible for advocate services or are seeking something outside Unbound Now's scope.When referring someone, offer a warm handoff to others whenever possible.Balance the limitations of the advocate role with being resourceful, including seeking help from others as needed.Be consistent, reliable, and flexible. Collaborate actively in support of partners' objectives.Ensure case management in collaboration with ongoing system and service- or investigation-based case management, continuing case management beyond others' eligibility parameters.Ensure that case management is carried out in a manner that is relationship-based, trauma-responsive, and survivor-centered.Commit to weekly in-person meetings with your supervisor. Telephonic supervision may occur once every 30 days.Participate in Unbound Now's advocate resilience groupApply specialized training and use professional judgment in determining the best way to serve youth during crisis and on an ongoing basisComplete DFPS monthly and quarterly reports accurately and on timeParticipate in weekly advocacy team meetings/case staffingsWorking Relationships:Supervisor: CSEY Advocacy CoordinatorWorks with: Unbound Now local office team, CST care coordinators and MDT partners, other Unbound Now survivor advocacy teamsSupervises: Survivor advocacy interns and volunteer mentorsPhysical and Driving RequirementsMust possess a valid driver's license/insurance and be able to operate a personal vehicle as needed for work-related travel/training.Demands the ability to respond on scene during all hours of the night.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.