The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is seeking a well-qualified staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect an ability to serve the 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community and pursue a safer Bronx through fair justice. The Human Trafficking Unit seeks a Human Trafficking Victim’s Advocate to provide survivors with trauma-informed counseling and support services. The position will entrust a trained mental health professional with assisting trafficking victims through the initial disclosure process and follow-up interviews. The Human Trafficking Victim’s Advocate will also assist the survivor in navigating the process and procedures of the criminal justice system. Services are not contingent upon an arrest; crisis and supportive services are provided nonetheless.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Engaging with survivors in the interview process, intervening with proper mental health protocols if a survivor begins to engage in counter-transference, decompensation, or other trauma-related symptoms.

Assessing survivors’ needs for services and connecting them to appropriate providers, as well as providing support services as needed.

Where appropriate, assisting survivors in securing suitable housing, and access to education and job placement opportunities, substance abuse rehabilitation programs, mental health and other medical care, and related social services.

Frequent contact with prosecutors, law enforcement, service providers, and other professionals to assess survivors’ needs, reevaluating placements and services where appropriate.

The HTU social worker will engage in activities that promote the education of the community and at-risk populations about the social problem of human trafficking. Specifically, the HTU social worker will provide education and outreach to families, educators, child welfare, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement.

Maintaining regular contact with survivors during the pendency of the criminal matter, ensuring they are in a secure environment, receiving any appropriate services, and that they are kept informed of the progress of the criminal matter and kept engaged in the criminal justice process.

Developing and maintaining professional relationships with governmental and nongovernmental human trafficking service providers.

Attend taskforce meetings, information fairs, professional training, community outreach and educational programming, and other meetings as directed.

Participate in occasional law enforcement operations outside of standard work hours.

All other relevant duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

LCSW, LMHC, or LMSW required with at least two (2) years’ experience post-degree working with domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and/or substance abuse cases.

Past advocacy experience with rape and sexual assault victims preferred

Fluent Spanish speaker preferred

Experience and ability to provide confidential clinical therapeutic mental health services to non-human trafficking victim populations preferred

Familiarity with general court services and criminal law enforcement processes preferred

Prior experience in Forensic Interviewing (i.e. Gunderson method) and/or Forensic Experiential Trauma Interviewing (FETI) preferable but on-the-job training can be arranged

Knowledge of the neighborhoods, resources and population of Bronx County

Ability to both interact and be comfortable with a diverse population

Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.