Commercially Sexually Exploited Persons Advocate

Description

The Commercially Sexually Exploited Persons Advocate is responsible for the coordination and delivery of case management services for the participants of the Low Threshold Transitional Living Program, Willows. Case management services are rooted in harm reduction principles and a housing first approach. The Commercially Sexually Exploited Persons Advocate reports to and is supervised by the Program Director, or their designee, for weekly supervision.  

Location: Willows is a harm reduction, low threshold transitional shelter program in Boston for women experiencing homelessness, substance use/opioid overdose risk and health/mental health conditions, who may also face multiple barriers to housing. 

Essential Functions:

• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence & Philosophy Care at all times including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality and working from a strength based perspective using evidence based practices (MI, CBT, Harm Reduction etc.
• Adhere to the Victory Programs Confidentiality Policies and Procedures at all times and in the course of all interactions.
• Work in conjunction with the VPI Mobile Prevention Team to co-facilitate and coordinate all on-site substance use, HIV/Aids, STI etc. related education, prevention and intervention groups.
• Provide individual case management sessions to LTH residents.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records including assessments, case notes, referrals, client center goals (IEP) and discharge documentation.
• Provide supported navigation, and appointment accompaniment for clients seeking health or social service care linkage.
• Engage in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and conflict de-escalation with harm reduction principles as needed in milieu space.
• Advocate on behalf of residents experiencing behavioral health, medical, benefits and legal barriers which prevent housing placement or stabilization.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of referral sources such as detox, outpatient counseling, self-help groups and others to provide comprehensive resources to the program residents.
• Make appropriate referrals to local addiction treatment programs and monitor progress and consistency of treatment involvement.
• Work with program leadership to identify appropriate networking and service collaboration opportunities to support clients engaged in sex work: e.g. intimate partner violence resources, bad date list, etc.
• Attend weekly supervision, monthly staff meetings, and periodic professional development training and workshops as requested by the supervisor.
• Provide a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to all residents of the programs.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Participate and support the agency in program holiday events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk, and any additional functions.
• Perform other duties or tasks that may from time to time be requested by a Supervisor or the Program Director.
• Transport clients using agency vehicles.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in the field of substance use.
• Experience working with the homeless population.
• Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, STIs, and sex work as well as health-related social issues faced by persons who use drugs.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, group religion, country of origin, disability and economic status.
• Excellent verbal communication skills including an ability to have open and affirming conversations about sex and substance use risk.
• Ability to work and relate to residents in a helpful, directive, firm, yet compassionate manner.
• Ability to work independently while always acting as a member of a treatment team.  
• Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire)
• Completed TB screening (may be obtained upon hire)
• Three work related professional references; at least 2 from manager or supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of case management experience. 
• Experience working with individuals engaged in sex work. 
• Bi-lingual capacity. 
• Experience working with poly-addicted persons.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a safe driving point of 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, or 03. 

Position Type: Full-time (40 hours) Tuesday - Saturday 7am-3pm and Wednesdays 10am-6pm. On site

Rate: $26.00/hr

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