Advocate

Advocate Position at A21

At A21, we are fueled by radical hope - the kind that refuses to accept that slavery is someone else's problem. We believe that freedom is possible, and we work every day to make that belief a reality. We are a global nonprofit organization on a mission to abolish slavery everywhere, forever. For more than 17 years, we've assisted people from human trafficking and walked with them through the journey of restoration. We stand on the frontlines, not just to fight for justice - but to build a world where every person is free.

We are deeply committed to the development and growth of our volunteers. Volunteering with A21 means joining a global movement to end modern slavery and making a meaningful contribution to our mission. As a volunteer, you will be equipped, encouraged, and challenged to grow both personally and professionally.

Our mission: Abolish slavery everywhere, forever.

Job Purpose

The Advocate provides survivor-centered advocacy and coordinated support for individuals impacted by human trafficking across the Southeast (mainly the Carolinas - North and South Carolina). This role operates within A21's Advocate Framework, which integrates identification, intervention, and long-term support into a single continuum of care.

Advocates serve as the primary point of contact for survivors and potential survivors, helping individuals navigate systems, access resources, and move toward safety and stability. The Advocate works closely with government and non-government partners, including law enforcement, legal service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations, to ensure survivors receive coordinated care.

In addition to survivor advocacy, this role supports prevention and awareness efforts, partnership development, and training opportunities across the region. The advocate will come alongside the work on training, innovation, and systems engagement, and play a key role in strengthening partnerships and expanding survivor access to services throughout the region.

Main Responsibilities / Key Duties

Survivor Advocacy and Support

• Serve as the primary Advocate for assigned survivors and referrals within the program.
• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify potential victims of trafficking and determine survivor needs.
• Provide survivor-centered support, including emotional support, safety planning, and connection to services.
• Assist survivors in accessing basic needs, including food, clothing, healthcare, transportation, and legal services.
• Support survivors in navigating systems, including law enforcement, legal services, healthcare, education, housing, and employment.
• Accompany survivors to appointments, court hearings, and partner meetings when appropriate.
• Assist survivors in obtaining vital documentation and navigating government systems.
• Support survivors in setting and pursuing personal goals related to education, employment, stability, and independence.
• Participate in Identification and Recovery efforts when applicable. Including assisting law enforcement efforts, responding to crisis calls from hotlines, healthcare systems, and other sources, and coordinating crisis intervention response.

Referral Coordination and Case Management

• Receive and process referrals from government and non-government partners.
• Conduct screenings for Potential Victims of Trafficking (PVoTs) and determine appropriate next steps for support or referral.
• Maintain consistent engagement with survivors participating in A21 services.
• Document survivor interactions, case progress, and referrals in accordance with organizational policies.
• Coordinate follow-up communication with referral partners and service providers.

Partnership Development and Systems Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, including law enforcement, service providers, healthcare systems, legal partners, and community organizations.
• Participate in task force, coalition, and other partnership meetings when appropriate.
• Support the development of the Frontline Partner Network (FPN) by engaging potential partners and strengthening referral pathways.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure survivors have access to coordinated and appropriate services.

Prevention, Training, and Community Engagement

• Support prevention and awareness efforts across the Carolinas region.
• Facilitate or assist with presentations, training sessions, and educational events on human trafficking awareness and prevention.
• Provide training and technical assistance to community partners when appropriate.
• Represent A21 at community events, trainings, conferences, and awareness initiatives as directed by the U.S. Operations Manager.

Operational Participation and Team Collaboration

• Participate in weekly team meetings, staff trainings, and operational planning sessions.
• Maintain required certifications and trainings, including safeguarding policies and trauma-informed care practices.
• Contribute to the overall functioning of the Freedom Center and A21 operational activities including anything related to a survivor's experience at the Freedom Center.
• Support team collaboration and contribute to a positive work culture.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the U.S. Operations Manager.

Personal Specifications: Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field; or Associate's degree with a combination of extensive lived and professional experience specific to the counter-trafficking field.
• Minimum two years of experience in social services, advocacy, case management, or related work.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government and non-government partners.
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Google Workspace and electronic documentation systems.
• Commitment to A21's values, safeguarding policies, and survivor-centered approach.

Desirable

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Experience working with survivors of human trafficking or related populations.
• Experience facilitating trainings or community education.
• Experience working with government systems, such as law enforcement, healthcare, or legal services.
• Experience working in crisis response or on MDTs
• High capacity for collaborative response.
• Driver's license with no pending infringements.
• Survivors of trafficking are encouraged to apply.