Senior Economic Empowerment Specialist (Senior Community Program Specialist)

The University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Trafficking Survivors is seeking a Senior Economic Empowerment Specialist (Specialist, Community Program Senior) to help build the SAFE Center’s portfolio of empowerment programs -- centered on employment and education -- to help survivors of sex and labor trafficking lead self-sustaining lives. A priority focus of the position is to work with survivors to identify career pathways and develop asset building programs that focus on skills upgrade through internal programming and state and local resources. This position reports to the SAFE Center’s Director of Economic Empowerment. 

The mission of the SAFE Center is to provide survivor-centered and trauma-informed services that empower trafficking survivors to heal and reclaim their lives and prevent trafficking and better serve survivors through research and advocacy. Our mission is grounded in social justice and active efforts to fight systemic racism which is a root cause of human trafficking. The SAFE Center provides social, legal, behavioral health, and economic empowerment services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking of any age, nationality, or gender. More information is available on the SAFE Center’s website at www.umdsafecenter.org .

This position is located in College Park, Maryland and offers the flexibility of a hybrid/remote work arrangement. Candidates will be required to complete a background check. 

Benefits Information 

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Program Development with a focus on Educational Opportunities (50%)

• Work with the Director of Economic Empowerment to help build the Center’s economic empowerment programs to address client goals and program outcomes. This role will focus on developing robust educational pathways by developing relationships with local GED, vocational, ESOL, workforce development agencies, and community college programs. 
• Develop training and professional opportunities in the healthcare field and build out critical relationships and partnerships. Tailor and lead a job readiness training program to positions in the medical sector such as medical assistant or nursing assistant.
• Establish relationships with local certified nursing assistants and medical assistants' programs, community health care centers, and other related healthcare sector training programs.
• Establish relationships with potential partners for healthcare workforce development and training programs as well as potential employers.
• Leverage the expertise and professional networks of the University System of Maryland, including the University of Maryland School of Nursing, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the UMB Graduate School Physician Assistant Program. 
• Support training for other economic empowerment job readiness training programs and internships/apprenticeships programs including hospitality and technology fields.
• Attend relevant state and local workforce development taskforce meetings to update team on any relevant labor developments.
• Responsible for supervising interns and volunteers as needed.

Direct Client Services 50%)

• Serve as the first point of contact for Economic Empowerment clients. Complete intake assessments to determine individual client needs. 
• Working with clients, thoughtfully evaluate skills and barriers related to economic empowerment, and create Individual Service Plans.
• Provide career counseling and work collaboratively with both our clients and prospective educational programs and employers to set goals for securing and retaining employment.
• Support clients in their job searches, job applications, resume development, and interview preparation.
• Assist clients in the creation of household budgets and saving plans.
• Proactively identify employment opportunities in order to work intentionally with clients to secure and retain employment that will economically empower them to lead self-sustaining lives.
• Maintain client files and update client notes in a timely manner, including in the Center’s database, grant reports and other communications.
• Participate in internal SAFE Center multidisciplinary team meetings to holistically evaluate clients’ progress and identify and address challenges.

 Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree. Degree in social sciences such as social work, psychology, public health, healthcare, or business administration preferred. 

Experience: Three (3) years of community program coordination, development, oversight, or administration. Experience in workforce development, project management, training, outreach, and providing technical assistance to community partners preferred. Experience managing projects, organizing people, and maintaining professional relationships preferred.

Other: Related experience to program may be substituted for education. Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary. Proficiency in written and verbal Spanish language preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• A deep working knowledge of a wide variety of employment opportunities of high interest to clients and high demand by the market. Ability to coach clients for the current position and career paths for future opportunities.
• Demonstrate cultural competency with a proven ability to work well with diverse communities.
• Demonstrate an ability to learn and increase knowledge in trauma-informed practices and working with clients affected by trauma.
• Possess an understanding of the challenges faced by populations with a history of racism and systemic oppression.
• Ability to work together with professionals of other disciplines (law, social work, clinical, etc.) as part of a multi-disciplinary organization on behalf of clients. Strong interpersonal skills; a positive, cooperative, affirming, and professional demeanor with clients, partner organizations, volunteers, interns, and staff.
• Ability to take initiative and propose ideas. A creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities. Ability to receive and implement feedback.
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills.

The Hiring Range for this position is in the mid $60,000s to low $70,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at [email protected] .

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [email protected] . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.