Anti-Trafficking Housing Specialist, Stop-It Program

The Salvation Army

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

City Mission JOB TITLE: Anti‑Trafficking Housing Specialist – STOP‑IT Program LOCATION/DEPT: City Mission REPORTS TO (TITLE): STOP‑IT Assistant Program Manager PEOPLE MANAGER: No FLSA CATEGORY: Non‑Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: $21.81 to $26.17

JOB SUMMARY

The Anti‑Trafficking Housing Specialist assists in accomplishing the mission of The Salvation Army through the coordination of all mission activities, corps, and social services within the City of Chicago. The Specialist provides outreach focused on victims of human trafficking, establishing trusted relationships, building victim identity, and assisting survivors to construct safe, realistic, and culturally‑sensitive plans to exit trafficking and sustain life after exit through comprehensive case management. The Specialist carries out functions that achieve the outcomes identified in the STOP‑IT Program Plan and may be assigned special functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Activities Using the program's housing assessment, develop housing plans based on each participant’s needs, identify affordable housing locations for survivors, and address non‑housing needs to establish self‑sufficient life. Act as a liaison between landlords and program participants, ensuring stable housing as an integral part of survivors’ ability to exit and remain out of exploitative situations. Conduct housing needs assessments, offering options and information so participants can make informed decisions. Direct Outreach Activities Provide outreach activities within agency policies and procedures, focusing on assisting victims in leaving human trafficking. Activities may include client meetings, home visits, and work within community agencies. With close supervision, conduct assessments of the victim’s immediate threat of harm. Utilize a strengths‑based, person‑centered approach to assess the victim’s readiness to leave, design interventions, and plan exit strategies. Strategies include: Build trust Restore choice Teach informed decision‑making skills Create hope of exit Problem‑solve barriers to leaving Assist victim to plan effective exit strategies when safe and prepared, and assist in the exit Consult with supervisor on case review and assessment of outreach stages Develop and implement intervention strategies suited to the victim’s readiness stage, supporting their movement toward exiting trafficking. Review client progress regularly with supervisor. Identify community resources and develop linkages with providers and law enforcement to support the STOP‑IT program and client outcomes. Maintain frequent case‑related contacts with local resources, agencies, and law enforcement; advocate for clients and refer as needed. Obtain appropriate Release of Information before a referral is made. Process requests for financial assistance to clients within agency policy under supervisor’s direction. Act as a mandated reporter to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Elder Abuse Hotline when abuse is suspected. Keep supervisor informed regarding subpoenas, court appearances, and client crises, following the agency emergency plan and reporting incidents in incident reports. Maintain the STOP‑IT hotline as assigned. Complete case and statistical recordings and other required reports per office policies. Engage in bi‑weekly professional supervision with designated supervisor. Maintain awareness of legal issues and potential liabilities affecting the agency and clients. Adhere to The Salvation Army Code of Ethics and the NASW Code of Ethics, including cultural competence standards. Intra‑Agency Responsibilities Maintain awareness of agency policies and contribute ideas for improvement with supervisor’s guidance. Collaborate with other Salvation Army units to achieve policies, procedures, goals, and outcome measures related to Hope‑Strong philosophy. Understand and effectively work under the mission of The Salvation Army. Perform administrative assignments or duties as delegated. Attend agency training, meetings, and consultations; present case‑related information for learning purposes. Execute record‑keeping functions such as typing case notes, filing records, answering phones, opening and closing office, etc., to support smooth office functioning. Provide services in conjunction with Corps Community Centers, Disaster Services, and other Salvation Army programs as assigned. Participate in bi‑weekly supervisory conferences and peer supervision group. Community Relations Collaborate with the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services, DV/HT Coordinated Entry System, and CHA Human Trafficking Special Initiative. Attend schools, agency meetings, or court hearings as appropriate and with supervisory approval. Participate in networking with community groups dealing with social problems of individuals or families. Provide community‑specific trainings to law enforcement, medical providers, social service providers, and other appropriate groups. Participate in community planning and organizing activities related to relevant problems, assess needs, and collaborate on recommended plans with supervisor consent. Continuing Education With supervisor’s knowledge, attend professional seminars, conferences, and workshops to increase professional knowledge and secure licensure. Stay abreast of new developments in the social work field and consult on effectiveness and relevance to clients’ needs. Participate in training sessions offered by City Mission, evidenced by staff sign‑in sheets. Other Duties All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the STOP‑IT Assistant Program Manager or another experienced social work supervisor. This position collaborates with program staff, corps officers, and social services to ensure effective delivery of quality services within mission objectives. The individual interacts with a wide range of contacts both within and outside The Salvation Army, acting as a representative of the organization and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

Evaluated on effectiveness of outcomes and timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of achieving assigned goals. Identifies potential trafficking victims as evidenced by law enforcement or referral records. Refers clients in need of services as evidenced by records. Maintains contact with potential and actual victims weekly, evidenced by case progress sheets. Spends 20 or more hours per week engaging potential victims, documented by time logs. Secures housing for at least six survivors per year, evidenced by client housing tracker forms. Undergoes training in CISM treatment and provides critical incident services on an as‑needed basis. Attends 30, 60, and 90‑day performance reviews.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in social work or a related field; a Master’s Degree in Social Work is preferred. Previous experience in anti‑human trafficking work is preferred. Secures and maintains LSW/LCSW licensure when eligible. Valid driver’s license/MVR clearance.

COMPETENCIES

Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army. Service‑oriented interpersonal style, anticipating and responding to client needs. Flexible, eager to learn. Excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies. Problem‑solving approach in client situations with colleagues. Communication style reflecting The Salvation Army’s principles and values, fostering team relationships. Developing knowledge of social work, counseling, and case management principles. Understanding of data management, procedure development, and information flow. Knowledge of diversity work in the workplace. Sensitivity to culturally and socio‑economically diverse client populations. Ability to handle confidential material. Driver’s license, MVR clearance, and insured vehicle preferred.

JOB LIMITATIONS

Commit only resources approved by The Salvation Army. Keep the STOP‑IT Program Manager informed on critical issues. Adhere to all policies and procedures when performing responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Required for light physical work. Regular use of standard office equipment and PC. Work environment includes client service setting with moderate to loud noise. Willingness to perform off‑site activities such as home visits, schools, or community agencies. May be required to drive a vehicle and read maps. Maintain positive work atmosphere through respectful and professional communication, conflict resolution, and support for the mission.

LEGALLY REQUIRED STATEMENT

This position is equal opportunity. The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage application from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Salvation Army USA Central Territory