Advocate
: Job Details :

Parent Advocate for Minor Victims of Trafficking Program

Organizational Profile: S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. is a leading youth, family, and community development organization with a specialized focus on preventing and intervening in youth, gang, and gun violence. Our mission is to foster safety and cultivate a sense of community belonging among youth and families throughout Long Island and its neighboring regions. We achieve this by offering constructive alternatives to high-risk behaviors for young people and empowering families, residents, and stakeholders to champion socially responsible initiatives within their communities.

Program Description: Our intervention program is dedicated to equipping juveniles navigating the intersection of human trafficking and street life with the education, skills, and support necessary for sustainable life transformation. Our comprehensive program encompasses mental health services for both youth and their families, personalized case management, mentorship opportunities, hands-on experiential learning, and peer support and advocacy initiatives.

Position Description: A compassionate and dedicated Parent Advocate responsible for providing support, advocacy, and guidance to parents or guardians of minor victims of trafficking. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the Parent Advocate will empower parents to navigate legal, social, and educational systems to ensure the safety, well-being, and recovery of their children. This position requires a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by families impacted by trafficking and a commitment to empowering parents to advocate effectively on behalf of their children.

All staff are expected to represent S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. professionally, act in a manner consistent with the mission and values of S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc., and help realize the organization s mission.

Responsibilities

Family Support and Advocacy:

• Provide trauma-informed support and advocacy to parents or guardians of minor victims of trafficking, addressing their emotional, practical, and informational needs.
• Assist parents in understanding the legal and social service systems involved in trafficking cases, including law enforcement, child welfare, and victim services.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of families within various systems, ensuring access to appropriate services and resources.

Case Management and Coordination:

• Collaborate with case managers, legal advocates, therapists, and other professionals involved in supporting minor victims of trafficking and their families.
• Assist parents in navigating the complexities of court proceedings, immigration processes, and other legal matters related to trafficking cases.

Education and Empowerment:

• Facilitate support groups or peer networks for parents to connect with other families impacted by trafficking, share experiences, and build resilience.
• Provide education and training to parents on recognizing signs of trafficking, understanding the impact of trauma on their children, and promoting healing and resilience.
• Empower parents to advocate for their children's rights within educational settings, including accessing appropriate accommodations, supports, and educational opportunities.

Community Outreach and Collaboration:

• Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness about human trafficking and available resources for victims and their families.
• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance support services for trafficking victims and their families.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams, task forces, or coalitions focused on addressing human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Maintain Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with survivors, including progress notes, service plans, and referrals.
• Prepare reports and documentation as required by funding sources and regulatory agencies.

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required:

• Master's degree in education, social work, counseling, or related field highly preferred.
• License in social work highly preferred.
• Applicants with personal experience in overcoming violence/survivors of trafficking are especially encouraged to apply.

Minimum Experience and Skills Required:

• BILINGUAL IN SPANISH required
• Previous experience working with survivors of human trafficking, trauma, or other vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Strong commitment to supporting and empowering minor victims of trafficking and their families, with a passion for social justice and advocacy.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, advocacy, and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of child welfare, juvenile justice, and victim services.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and integrity.

Working Conditions:

• The position may involve working with families in crisis or facing challenging situations, requiring sensitivity and flexibility.
• Travel within the community to meet with families, attend meetings, and access resources is required.
• Evening or weekend hours may be necessary to accommodate the schedules of families or participate in community events.

The position is guaranteed through Dec. 31, 2024.

Program Location: Western Suffolk County, New York

Days & Hours: Part-time. The position entails dealing with families in crisis, so the candidate must have a flexible schedule. Mainly late morning into evening hours. Weekends as needed.

Patient demographics: Adolescents and families

Salary: Commensurate with educational and professional experience.

$25-$30/hrs for 21 to 24 hours a week.

Benefits:

Sick leave, 10 paid holidays, birthday

401(k) program

STRONG Youth, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status

Women-led organization

Inclusive of minority and disadvantaged groups or disability status.