FLSA Status: Non-Exempt $24.00/hr

Summary: The Hearth Connection Program Advocate is a pivotal role, focused on overseeing the implementation and management of our housing program, drawing inspiration from the successful Hearth Connection program in Minnesota. This unique program provides survivors of sex trafficking with safe and stable housing, along with comprehensive support services tailored to their individual needs. The Hearth Connection Program Advocate is responsible for ensuring the program's success, from coordinating housing placements to providing ongoing case management and support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Work closely with survivors, housing partners, and community stakeholders to design and implement the Hearth Connection Program.

· Collaborate with local shelters, housing agencies, landlords, and other partners to secure safe and sustainable housing options for survivors.

· Ensure that the program adheres to the principles of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered practices.

· Conduct assessments of survivors' housing needs, considering safety, accessibility, and individual preferences, while coordinating the placement of survivors in safe and stable housing units, advocating for their housing rights and preferences.

· Provide ongoing case management and support to survivors in the program, assisting them in accessing essential services such as medical care, legal aid, and counseling.

· Advocate for survivors' rights and well-being, acting as a liaison between survivors and service providers.

· Cultivate relationships with local housing agencies, landlords, shelters, and social service organizations to expand the network of available housing options and support services.

· Develop mechanisms to collect and analyze data on program outcomes, survivor progress, and housing stability.

· Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting the impact of the Hearth Connection Housing Program and identifying areas for improvement.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate ideas, plans of advocacy and outreach efforts, and resource options clearly and persuasively. Proficiency in additional languages is extremely desirable in this position.

Reasoning Ability:

Strong reasoning ability, such as communication, adaptability, time management, and attention to detail enables the Hearth Connection Program Advocate to approach advocacy efforts with a logical and creative mindset, resulting in effective engagement with the survivors resulting in overall performance in their role.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and should be proficient at communication via email.

Education/Experience:

A college degree is not required, however an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly valued. An advanced degree is a plus, however commitment to continuous professional development and ongoing learning are essential.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

· Empathy, compassion, and the ability to provide supportive services while maintaining professional boundaries due to the sensitive nature of our work

· Proven experience in community outreach, social services, or a similar role, preferably in the field of human trafficking or related social justice issues

· Knowledge of sex trafficking issues, victim identification, and trauma-informed care principles

· Cultural competency and sensitivity to work with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills

· Familiarity with local community resources, social service agencies, and support networks

· Respect for confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines in working with potential victims and survivors of sex trafficking

· Experience in housing advocacy, program coordination, and case management, preferably within the context of anti-trafficking efforts.

· Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and housing policy frameworks, especially as applied in the Hearth Connection Minnesota model.

· Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, survivor-centered approaches, and cultural sensitivity.

· Commitment to ethical practices, confidentiality, and respect for survivors' autonomy.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The role of the Hearth Connection Program Advocate involves both physical and intellectual responsibilities, such as spending a significant amount of time working at a desk or in meetings with survivors, which can require extended periods of sitting, screen time, and time in meetings therefore necessitating prolonged face-to-face interaction with others. The Hearth Connection Program Advocate should also be capable of traveling between our primary office, encampments, outreach events, and other out-of-office locations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in St Paul, MN 55104