HOUSING SUPPORT SPECIALIST (Part-Time)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CCAHT), works to unite and equip Knoxville and upper East Tennessee to end modern-day slavery while providing survivors of human trafficking with individualized, relational care through our program Grow Free Tennessee. We accomplish our mission through four main initiatives: raising overall awareness; training and equipping primary responders; bolstering intervention efforts via our locally focused, collaborative, counter-trafficking task force; and providing wraparound aftercare services to survivors.
At CCAHT, we choose love first. When it comes to serving our clients, we understand that healing takes time. Each client’s needs and journey toward restoration will be different, which is why our aftercare programming is survivor-centered and grounded in industry best practices and research. We know that it takes people to serve people, and we are seeking passionate, qualified individuals to join our team as we work to empower survivors and foster positive change in upper East Tennessee.
POSITION
Reporting to the Director of Survivor Services, the Housing Support Specialist is responsible for staffing the shelter during varied shifts including morning, evening/late night, holiday and weekend hours, providing support and basic services to clients, performing day-to-day operational functions of the safe house, monitoring all entry and exit to the building, providing on-site response, answering the crisis line, and is the first source of contact for all new survivors entering the safe house.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Operate all functions in lobby office including checking clients in and out, answering telephones, monitoring security systems, filing client paperwork and entering client data
- Maintain safety by enforcing program regulations
- Crisis management, including; respond to emergencies, assess the situation, initiate appropriate action as required, may include contact with emergency response systems
- Respond to client concerns, including maintenance requests
- Participate and communicate effectively in staff meetings and trainings
- Engage clients through a warm, caring, and supportive atmosphere that builds trust and confidence and fosters healthy relationship boundaries
- Answer the 24-hour crisis line and respond appropriately
- Assists with the daily living needs of shelter residents
- Completes initial intake and program orientation
- Provides shelter orientations to new clients
- Triage incoming referrals to ensure appropriate follow-up
- Completes room and safety checks
- Performs routine chores and cleaning tasks assigned to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the shelter
- May help coordinate services for survivors in conjunction with Care Coordinator
- May assist in transportation of survivors to scheduled appointments
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
The Housing Support Specialist will be thoroughly committed to the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking’s mission. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a strong academic background
- Experience working with survivors of human trafficking and/or related programs preferred
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Sensitivity to sexual exploitation, domestic violence and other gender-related issues
- Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent problem solving skills
- Ability and willingness to work irregular hours
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Persistence and flexibility, with ability to multitask and prioritize
- Fast learner, quick mind, and capacity for hard work
- Valid Driver’s license and access to personal transportation
- F-endorsement
- Current insurance and vehicle registration
- Successful completion of criminal background checks
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to communicate clearly in English both written and verbal
- Good visual & audio capabilities
- Sit or stand for extended periods
- Bend, stoop, and/or squat
- PC/Keyboarding abilities
- Lift up to 40 pounds
- Regularly exposed to cleaning products, chemicals and solvents. Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions.
- Work extended hours as needed (>40 per week)