Sojourner House
Providence
Salary: $20 to $23 per hour, based on experience
Start Date: 04/04/2022
Full Time, Temporary
Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
Schedule: Flexible schedule required; one weekend day and one late weeknight will be required.
BASIC FUNCTION: Sojourner House operates an emergency shelter and supportive services program for victims of human trafficking called the THEIA Project. The agency has expanded the project to include transitional housing for victims of human trafficking. The Trafficking Transitional Housing Advocate will be responsible for helping to coordinate and implement this programming.
The Advocate will be responsible for coordinating the different components of Sojourner House’s Trafficking Transitional Housing Project. The Advocate will provide direct services including case management, support services and referrals to other needed services. The Advocate will work alongside the THEIA Project Coordinator and Senior Director of Shelter Operations to provide clients who have been trafficked with support and empowerment as they seek to rebuild their lives.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES:
● Provide individual case management services to clients in Sojourner House’s Trafficking Transitional Housing Project. This includes weekly 1:1 meetings, regular phone check-ins, and periodic visits to their apartment. Develop action plans with clients that outline goals related to education, employment, childcare and permanent housing. Assist clients in obtaining appropriate substance abuse, mental health, and/or medical services as needed.
● Develop and implement programming to benefit clients in the transitional housing program. At a minimum, the Advocate will regularly assess the needs of clients and offer programs reflective of those needs (e.g., LGBTQ discussion groups, HIV/AIDS prevention groups, etc.).
● Working with the Youth and Adolescent Counselor, coordinate children’s services and make referrals as necessary for transitional housing families with minor children, which may include but are not limited to: enrollment in the local school system, art expressive therapy groups, tutoring sessions, play groups, field trips, after school, recreational and enrichment activities, childcare and mental health programs.
● Answer phone calls, conduct intakes of new clients, and provide referrals and information to potential transitional housing clients.
● Provide coverage and supportive services, as needed, for the THEIA emergency shelter for victims of trafficking.
● Provide coverage, as needed, for the Safe House in northern RI for victims of abuse.
● Provide coverage, as needed, for the agency’s emergency hotline and Drop-In Advocacy Center. Offer emotional support, resources, and referrals to individuals seeking help.
● Monitor and implement transitional housing policies, and ensure that residents follow these rules and procedures by creating an environment of trust and community.
● Complete data entry and submit necessary reports as required for grant compliance.
● Help in the collection of rent from clients in the transitional housing program.
● Address the maintenance needs of the transitional housing units as needed. This may include arranging appointments with necessary contractors to provide repairs.
● Stay abreast of RI community housing issues by building and maintaining relationships with housing and social service agencies in Providence, northern Rhode Island, and throughout the state.
● Prepare and deliver community presentations in northern Rhode Island on issues related to trafficking and housing when requested.
● Support Sojourner House’s philosophy of client empowerment and respect for individual choices.
● Work as necessary with other residential advocates and Volunteer Coordinator to help supervise volunteers.
● Perform other duties as requested by the Director of Shelter Operations or other management staff.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred
EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL SKILLS:
● A minimum of three to four years’ experience in human or social services
● Familiarity with Spanish is strongly preferred.
● Familiarity with domestic violence and/or gender issues
● Must be organized and demonstrate superior leadership skills
● Familiarity working with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds
● Experience developing and delivering community presentations
● A demonstrated familiarity with LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and/or substance abuse populations
● Innovative thinking to approaching issues of poverty and service delivery
● Familiarity with social service services in Rhode Island
● Access to a vehicle to facilitate traveling between the agency’s two locations
● Comfort working individually and in teams
● Computer literacy (Word, Excel, and general Internet skills)
● Applicant must pass a BCI check
● Ability to work a flexible schedule, including one night a week and one weekend day.
Position is full-time (37.5 hours a week). Applicants will be eligible for agency benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, accrual of leave time, and a 401(k) plan.
Salary: $20 to $23 an hour, depending on experience, including health/dental insurance, earned time off, a 401(k) plan, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
How to Apply
TO APPLY: Please send a resume, cover letter, and names of three (references) to resumes@sojournerri.org with the subject line, “Trafficking Transitional Housing Advocate.” A cover letter is a required part of the application. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
Sojourner House is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. To learn more about Sojourner House, please visit www.sojournerri.org.