Advocate – Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC)
Full-Time Non-Exempt, Benefit Eligible
Salary Range: $22.40 – $26.34/hour (Non-Exempt) DOE|
WEAVE’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. WEAVE’s vision is a community free of violence and abuse.
Position Summary: The CSEC Advocate is critical to WEAVE’s anti-human trafficking efforts and provides direct supportive services and advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (“CSEC”) and at-risk youth in Sacramento County. Primary duties include establishing and maintaining a presence at several community locations to build trusted relationships with youth and community partners, providing crisis intervention, safety planning and emergency supplies to youth, facilitating peer support groups, and offering strengths-based case management when appropriate. This position supports youth and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence, which may include exposure to emotionally challenging situations. Shifts are business hours Monday through Friday; in person services are required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and emotional support for CSEC and at-risk youth, including immediate response and assistance when needed.
- When appropriate, collaborate with clients and/or their family or guardian to develop personalized safety plans and goal-oriented service plans that address physical, emotional, and practical needs.
- Provide trauma-informed peer counseling and emotional support to clients, fostering an environment of empathy, trust, and empowerment.
- Assist clients in accessing community resources, including public benefits, food, housing, legal assistance, healthcare, counseling, and financial support.
- Routinely facilitate weekly peer support groups and/or be available for drop-in hours at various community partner locations as identified by Supervisor.
- Maintain high availability, initiate contact with clients, and provide a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment.
- Confidently and professionally advocate for youth with members of partner organizations such as the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Child Protective Services, mental health teams, and probation.
- Collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and community partners to coordinate services, referrals, and advocacy for clients, including attending multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and one-on-one meetings with supervisors to enhance skills, knowledge, and awareness of issues relevant to this role and best practices.
- Promote a culture of respect, equality, and diversity.
- Consistent with agency and program requirements, maintain accurate, timely and confidential records of services provided.
- Adhere to all agency and department policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of three years of relevant education and/or experience; lived experience is recognized and desirable.
- Strong understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking dynamics, trauma-informed care, and survivor-centered approaches.
- Previous experience working with youth survivors of sex trafficking is highly desirable.
- Highly motivated; demonstrated ability to work autonomously to complete individual tasks while contributing to a collaborative, professional and supportive team dynamic.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals in crisis and create respectful, empowering professional relationships.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting services, communicating with survivors, and collaborating with team members or community partners.
- Empathy, compassion, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing emotional support.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities.
- Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect survivors with appropriate services.
- Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the intersectionality of sex trafficking with other issues, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- Bilingual skills are an asset; pay differential is available for certain high-need languages.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of current auto insurance and reliable transportation.
- Successful pass of criminal background check.
- Successful completion of domestic violence and sexual assault peer counselor training (post-hire requirement.)
ADA Job Characteristics:
WEAVE is committed to providing inclusive, accessible and respectful workplaces for all staff, including those with disabilities such as being in a wheelchair, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, blind or low vision or other access or functional needs.
WEAVE works to equip staff of all abilities with reasonable accommodations to perform their job functions. These can include the provision of adaptive equipment, materials in alternate formats, and flexible work schedules. Our priority is to provide ongoing, individualized accommodations to give all staff access to resources best suited to their needs. If you require an accommodation to access this job application, please send a request to our HR team.
Work environment is primarily indoors. Local travel (driving) will be required to conduct presentations at various area schools, attend off-site meetings, etc. Lift and carry 25 lbs., extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist, stoop, squat, crawl, bend the back to open lower-level filing drawers, or to retrieve stored items, climb a ladder or stairs, or use an elevator. Sit frequently, and/or stand when filing, using copier, etc. Use fine manipulation (hands and wrist) to operate a keyboard, take notes, utilize desk calculator, file and copy documents. Corrected vision to normal range. Speak in normal vocal tone and range, and communicate clearly and concisely to others. Apply normal reasoning and detail as required in the accomplishment of job duties.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, and your commitment, to our online application
Join us in making a positive impact in the lives of survivors and working towards a world free from violence. Together, we can bring hope and healing to those in need.