Senior Case Manager

Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Case Manager for the EMPOWER Center will provide comprehensive case management support for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and sex trafficking. Launched in 2020, the EMPOWER Center is a collaboration between NYC Health + Hospitals and Sanctuary for Families. By integrating medical, social, and legal services, EMPOWER provides holistic services to people with any experience in the sex trade to help them lead healthy and independent lives. The EMPOWER Center is looking for a senior case manager that will utilize a trauma informed approach to promote clients’ right to self-determination and provide services in a manner that emphasizes safety, respect, and dignity. They will provide strengths-based guidance and work to resolve barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Balance a caseload of 10-20 clients, with flexibility for more with experience, providing comprehensive case management support to enhance safety and well-being for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. 
• Collaborate effectively with the EMPOWER Center’s multi-disciplinary team comprised of medical, mental health, legal, and social work providers and a lived experience expert, especially for shared clients.
• Connect with staff across departments and external agencies as needed for client care and to expand their network of support.
• Conduct screening interviews with potential clients and referral streams to help assess needs and eligibility for services.
• Complete intakes with eligible clients and present to the EMPOWER team, determining client’s need for public benefits, housing, employment, legal representation, medical treatment, mental health support, education, childcare, wellness opportunities, peer support, and economic empowerment.
• Assess immediate needs of clients during initial session and make appropriate referrals both within and outside of Sanctuary for Families to enhance stability.
• Guide clients in identifying personal and professional goals, highlighting their strengths and educating them on options based on their personal interests.
• Create personalized plan with clients, adjusting as necessary over time, to achieve their case management goals spanning issue in areas including advancing their education and employment, securing safe housing, obtaining parenting support, connecting with medical, mental health, substance treatment, and legal providers, joining support groups with other survivors, and learning life skills.
• Assist clients with obtaining benefits for which they are eligible, such as but not limited to SNAP, cash assistance, Fair Fares, SSI/SSDI, OPWDD, and childcare vouchers.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to reduce systemic barriers to accessing care by providing accompaniment to social service agencies, joining virtual appearances with external providers, and writing advocacy letters for court-mediation and to secure necessary social services when appropriate.
• Support clients with children in their care/household to navigate school systems and connect with relevant resources.
• Prepare requests for educational and financial assistance grants on behalf of clients.
• Provide supportive and compassionate crisis intervention when needed through suicide risk assessments and safety planning and address level of risk in client’s lives by conducting lethality assessments.
• Monitor ongoing system changes that affect service provision on the city, state, and national level and adjust service provision as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, document all services provided using Sanctuary’s Service Tracking System, and compile data for monthly reports.
• Perform administrative support tasks and department or agency related duties/special projects as directed by team members. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience or interest in working in direct services on issues of gender violence is a strong asset, as is social work coursework.