Sexually Exploited Youth Advocate/Community Liaison

Cornerstone’s continuum of service helps to create communities where individuals and families are safe and children thrive. We advocate, educate and lead the way to social change.

Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at www.cornerstonemn.org.

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Health care, paid time off, 12 paid holidays which includes employee birthday, retirement savings with up to 4% match after 1 year, basic life insurance free to employees, long term disability free to employees.

Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Salary Range : $18.00 to $21.63 Hourly.

The Community Liaison/Advocate has a dual role in providing direct support to people impacted by exploitation and empowering the community to prevent exploitation. This role will work with individuals and their families at risk of or engaging in forms of exploitation. This work includes but is not limited to: advocacy, one to one supportive sessions, group facilitation, phone triage, information and referral, and case management services. The prevention aspect of this role will include but not limited to: outreach, training, and education to key community partners (law enforcement, non-profits, schools, etc.) as well as coordinating care within the Safe Harbor network. This position is expected to work throughout all of Cornerstone’s target cities and provide services in the office (Bloomington location), community, and homes of participants.

Experience working with at-risk or survivors of exploitation and understanding of Safe Harbor laws. A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or social sciences may be considered in lieu of some experience requirements. Candidates with lived experience and/or diverse background strongly encouraged to apply. Multilingual candidates preferred.

HOURS/SCHEDULE: This full-time position has a flexible schedule with the expectation of the employee to be available a minimum of 2 evenings a week based on needs of participants and the program.

Ability to remain calm and survivor-centered with those experiencing crisis and trauma.

Broad knowledge of resources and systems which interface with victims/survivors (v/s) of violence and the skills to work in both a team and individual setting.

Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices comprehensive of the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/sexual exploitation, and general crime.

Understanding of adolescent development.

Understanding of the human services delivery system with an emphasis on serving diverse, marginalized and/or underrepresented communities.

Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with v/s, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.

Enthusiasm for learning and commitment to enhancing skills through training, and coaching.

Knowledge and aptitude with Microsoft Office, databases, and other forms of technology.

Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR). 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Establish developmental relationships with at risk or survivors of sexual exploitation.

Provide phone or in-person support for at-risk or survivors of sexual exploitation and triage for appropriate services if needed.

Conduct intake with survivors of sexual exploitation and their families, assess needs, complete safety plans, and implement appropriate services or make referrals for services.

Develop goals with participants based on the following principles culture, agency, relationships, meaning, and aspiration (CARMA).

Facilitate support groups for at-risk or survivors of sexual exploitation at Cornerstone or in the community.

Advocate on behalf of participants with community organizations, schools, or human services system for care coordination. 

Engage in reflective supervision with supervisor to strengthen trauma informed care approaches.

Collaborate with School-Based Services to provide prevention services that includes classroom presentation, one to one support for students, group facilitation, or staff training as needed.

Provide outreach to community centers and schools within our service area with a focus on developing relationships that build knowledge around identification, intervention, and referral for exploited youth or young adult.

Collaborating with training coordinator to provide educational presentation or trainings to students, educators, community partners, law enforcements, etc. regarding screening or signs of exploitation.

Actively participate in creating and evaluating prevention curriculums and presentations to ensure it is relevant and aligns with best practices.

Create outreach, marketing, and educational materials about exploitation through management of social media accounts.

Work collaboratively with Safe Harbor grantees to serve at-risk or survivors of exploitation by participating in relevant community committees and/or task force.

Any other duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor that support overall program services and services to survivors/victims.

Work in compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and all Cornerstone policies and procedures.

Complete documentation in a timely manner and assist supervisor with grant reports.

Maintain accurate, complete, confidential participant files in database in a timely manner.

Maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with current HIPAA standards.

Attends supervision, staff meetings, and trainings as required.

Report continuing education as requested.

Attend workshops and trainings (as discussed with supervisor) to strengthen professional skills.

Promotes Cornerstone Advocacy Service’s (CAS) mission & philosophy. 

Displays high ethical and professional standards. 

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through learning, training, and dialog.

Ability to travel to various location for participant or professional meetings. Mileage reimbursement provided.

Must complete the required sexual violence/domestic violence training within the first 6 months of employment.

Participates in internal CAS committees and represents CAS on external committees based on interest/assignment and approval by supervisor.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (maintenance 40 pounds (Emergency Services) and 30 pounds (Balance of Staff). The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employee’s abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. If such a situation should arise the employee should notify their supervisor to find help with lifting any item regardless of weight if the object to be lifted is awkward or difficult to lift in any way.