Social Worker for the Safe Houses

LifeWay Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that joins the global movement against human trafficking by providing safe housing for women who have been trafficked and offering education about trafficking to the general public. LifeWay Network (LWN) envisions a world in which human trafficking is abolished and every survivor is strong, connected, and free. LWN is one of only two organizations in the New York Metro area specifically providing safe housing for women survivors of human trafficking, and the only organization providing safe housing to survivors of both labor and sex trafficking who are either foreign-born or domestic. What sets LifeWay Network’s Safe Housing Program apart is its community living model. It offers a safe home by welcoming each woman into a supportive, caring community of permanent residents. This host community helps her recover from her trauma, regain her sense of self-worth, and enable her to move from isolation towards reclaiming her independence.

LifeWay Network is seeking a part-time social worker to provide critical trauma-informed care to women survivors of human trafficking in our safe housing program. LifeWay Network is the only organization in New York City providing safe housing for women survivors of both labor and sex trafficking, and women who are American-born and foreign-born. The Social Worker for the LifeWay Network Safe Housing Program will be a key member of staff to provide a safe haven for women survivors of human trafficking. This position requires some flexibility in the afternoons and evenings.

• Welcomes new residents to the home and supports adjustment to the daily routine of living in community

• Collaborates with staff, Manager, and volunteers to work with all survivors
• Provides supportive services for the complex trauma of the women survivors, facilitates adjustment to the house, and helps survivors rebuild self-esteem and trust
• Processes referrals and intakes for potential residents with with Safe House Program Coordinator
• Responsible for the aftercare program implementation
• In the absence of the Program Coordinator, responsible for managing emotional/behavioral crises or emergencies outside of working hours (on call for all safe house staff, residential aides, and host community)
• Collaborates service delivery with the case management providers at partner agencies
• Provides counseling documentation and reports to the Director of Safe Housing
• Coordinates workshops, field trips, and support groups for residents
• Provide safe house coverage when the House Manager is not available
• Other duties as requested

Qualifications

• MSW, bachelor's or masters degree in Social Services, Human Services, or Psychology preferred

• Prior experience working with trauma victims or 1-year experience in a direct service provision
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality and trauma-informed care
• Strong computer skills, and comfort with web-based applications
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter and work independently and within a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and listening skills
• Demonstrated success with community relationship-building
• Heart, humor, and a commitment to the LifeWay Network mission
• Availability to work weekend days or evenings as required for positions, special events, and activities
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred