The University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Trafficking Survivors is seeking a dedicated, caring, and team-oriented Social Worker to help the SAFE Center implement human trafficking prevention programming in middle and high schools in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, Maryland; assist with planning and implementing youth leadership and employment summits; and provide trauma therapy to young women and girls who have experienced sex and/or labor trafficking.

The mission of the SAFE Center is to provide survivor-centered and trauma-informed services that empower trafficking survivors to heal and reclaim their lives and prevent trafficking and better serve survivors through research and advocacy. Our mission is grounded in social justice and active efforts to fight systemic racism which is a root cause of human trafficking. The SAFE Center provides social, legal, behavioral health, and economic empowerment services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking of any age, nationality, or gender. More information is available on the SAFE Center’s website at www.umdsafecenter.org. This position is located in College Park, Maryland, and offers the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates will be required to complete a background check.

BENEFITS (Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous paid leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is Ranked Among the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes 2022 & 2023.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Prevention Program Development, Implementation, and Management (60%)

• Assess and adapt curricula for cultural responsiveness to population.
• Develop and implement trafficking prevention workshops and curricula for middle and high school age youth and young adults in Prince George’s County, MD and Montgomery County, MD.
• Provide training on sex and labor trafficking prevention steps and signs of trafficking to school personnel and parents/caregivers of students at participating schools.
• Connect with foster care programs to provide training to foster parents and outreach to children and youth.
• Develop and coordinate strategic partnerships with schools, community and government agencies, and foster care services, to deliver prevention curriculum training and improve referrals and services for clients.
• Assist with planning and hosting annual summer leadership and employment summit for girls and young women.
• Coordinate with Clinical Director to ensure that reporting requirements for grant activities are met; reports are timely and accurate; and data is sufficiently, consistently, and accurately captured in client database system.

Community Engagement and Outreach (10%)

• Contribute to the SAFE Center’s outreach and training goals by engaging and training partners to increase awareness about human trafficking and disseminate information on resources available to potential victims.
• Represent the SAFE Center at relevant meetings of local task forces and coalitions in the metropolitan DC area, as needed and appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partner agencies particularly in the areas of mental health services.
• Identify challenges in accessing services for human trafficking survivors and provide recommendations as part of the Center’s policy and advocacy directive.
• Help recruit and provide supervision and guidance to social work students.

Clinical Services and Crisis Intervention - Individual and Group Therapy (30%)

• Complete screenings, intakes, and bio psycho-social assessments for youth who exhibit indicators of having experienced sex and/or labor trafficking.
• Engage clients in the development of their treatment goals and construct therapeutic service plans in order to document clinical needs and assess client progress and outcomes.
• Counsel clients regarding a broad range of social, emotional, and behavioral issues, including traumatic stress symptoms, interpersonal challenges, and social adjustment. Implement safety planning interventions as needed.
• Make referrals and collaborate with other mental health providers as needed to provide clients with the appropriate level of care.
• Participate in the SAFE Center’s multidisciplinary case review meetings and client needs assessments.
• If needed, conduct group therapy sessions that address trauma experiences, positive coping skills, self-esteem and confidence building through group discussion and peer support.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: Master’s degree in Social Work.

Preferred Experience: One (1) year of experience providing individual or group therapy to youth and/or victims of violence and trauma.

Certification/Licensure: Licensed Master Social Work - (LMSW) in the State of Maryland.

Other: No substitution of experience for minimum education requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A positive, flexible, cooperative, and affirming demeanor with clients, partner organizations, volunteers/interns, and staff.
• Skill in providing victim-centered, trauma-informed services using a strengths-based service approach.
• Resilient and solution-focused; committed to creative problem solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and a demonstrated ability to effectively interact with a diverse client population, including with individuals who have limited English proficiency.
• Desire and ability to work together with professionals of other disciplines (law, economic empowerment, medical, etc.) as part of a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of clients.
• Knowledge of best practices in the field as well as relevant federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and programs/policies utilizing proper application.
• Adeptness at managing situations with tact, diplomacy, understanding, and fairness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with professional standards and federal and state regulations.
• Proficient in information technology word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Familiarity with and skill using various online communications including social media, apps, and online platforms to reach and communicate with target audiences preferred.

The Hiring Range for this position is in the $60,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.