Case Manager/Advocate The Brandice Drop-In Center

Embracing Freedom

The Brandice Drop-In Center - Youth Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Advocate serves as a primary support person for young survivors of labor & sex trafficking, providing direct advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and connection to resources. This position requires a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, commercial sexual exploitation dynamics, and the complex needs of trafficked youth. The Youth Advocate works collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure youth receive comprehensive, culturally responsive services that promote healing, safety, and self-determination.

Direct Service & Advocacy

• Mature Christian Faith, as evidenced by participation in a local Christian Church
• Through commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Embracing Freedom
• Provide at least 3 references
• Provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to youth experiencing trafficking situations or related trauma
• Conduct comprehensive safety assessments and develop individualized safety plans
• Respond to crisis calls and emergencies with appropriate de-escalation techniques
• Maintain crisis documentation and coordinate emergency response protocols
• Provide 24/7 on-call crisis support on a rotating basis with team members
• Conduct weekly individual meetings with assigned youth to assess needs and provide support
• Advocate for youth rights and needs across multiple systems, including healthcare, education, legal, and social services
• Accompany youth to court hearings, medical appointments, school meetings, and other essential appointments
• Assist youth in accessing basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, transportation, and identification documents
• Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with youth using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches
• Complete comprehensive intake assessments and service plans within required timeframes
• Provide non-judgmental support that recognizes the impact of trauma on behavior and decision-making
• Engage youth in service planning and goal-setting processes
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and case staffings
• Monitor service plan implementation and adjust based on changing youth needs
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all youth contacts and services provided
• Document progress toward goals and barriers to service engagement
• Ensure all documentation meets regulatory requirements and organizational standards
• Maintain required certifications and complete mandatory training requirements
• Stay current on best practices in trafficking victim services and trauma-informed care
• Comprehensive understanding of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking dynamics
• Understanding of adolescent development and the impact of trauma on development
• Knowledge of local resources and systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, healthcare, education, and legal services
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation abilities
• Ability to build rapport and trust with youth who may be suspicious of adults and institutions
• High level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while being warm and supportive
• Flexibility and adaptability in a crisis-oriented environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

Abuse Risk Management Requirements:

• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with youth
• Attends required abuse risk management training
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations
• Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements
• Adheres to job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities
• Routinely monitors high-risk locations
• Ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility

Schedule

• Primary Schedule: Monday-Friday with flexibility for youth needs
• Evening/Weekend Work: Some evening and weekend hours required for crisis response
• On-Call Duties: Participation in 24/7 on-call rotation
• Flexibility Required: Schedule must accommodate youth availability and crisis situations

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance available
• Dental & Vision: Comprehensive dental and vision coverage available
• Paid Time Off: Accrued PTO time
• Professional Development: annual training, conferences

Education & Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or related field
• Experience: Minimum 1-2 years direct service experience with vulnerable populations, preferably including trafficking survivors, runaway/homeless youth
• Preferred Experience: Experience with commercial sexual exploitation survivors

Licenses & Certifications

• Required: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with Insurance
• Preferred: Trauma-informed care certification
• Preferred: Crisis intervention certification
• Preferred: First Aid/CPR certification

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Application Materials

• Resume: Detailed work history and educational background
• References: Three professional references, including at least all supervisors' contact information, and at least three personal references with contact information
• Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts from degree-granting institutions

CONTACT INFORMATION

To Apply: Submit application materials to info@embracingfreedombmt.com.

Organization Website: embracingfreedombmt.com

Additional information:

While every application will be reviewed, only applicants being considered for the position will be contacted.

Upon hire, Embracing Freedom issues a 90-day probation period for new employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,000.00 - $40,950.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person