Community Member – living with women survivors of human trafficking

Posted on:
Start: Jul 1, 2020 / End: Jul 1, 2022 / Location: Bronx, NY

LifeWay Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that joins the global movement
against human trafficking by providing safe housing for women who have been trafficked,
and offering education about trafficking to the general public. LifeWay Network (LWN)
envisions a world in which human trafficking is abolished and every survivor is strong,
connected and free. LWN is one of only two organizations in the New York Metro area
specifically providing safe housing for women survivors of human trafficking, and the only
organization providing safe housing to survivors of both labor and sex trafficking who are
either foreign-born or domestic. What sets LWN’s Safe Housing Program apart is its
community living model. It offers a safe home by welcoming each woman into a supportive,
caring community of permanent residents. This host community helps her recover from her
trauma, regain her sense of self-worth, and enables her to move from isolation towards
reclaiming her independence.

Watch a short video about Lifeway Network HERE!

The Host Community member is an integral member of the community in the safe house to
provide a safe haven for women survivors of human trafficking. LifeWay Network provides
safe housing for women who have escaped or have been rescued from a trafficking situation
and need to be provided a safe and nurturing living situation where they can heal while
receiving the services needed to enhance their growth. The Host Community member
provides a supportive and nurturing environment which supports growth and healing for the
residents.

Role Summary:
The members of the Host Community will play an important role in creating a healing
community in the LifeWay Network Safe House and in collaborating with the House
Manager, Social Worker and LifeWay administration in ensuring that there is appropriate
oversight in the house and that the needs of the women are met. It is the goal of LifeWay
that the team provides structure and oversight in the house, maintains effective
communication with one another and the residents, and fosters a spirit of cooperation
among all members of the household and staff.

The most important contribution to be made by the Host Community member is in the
spiritual and accepting tone which is brought to the home as a result of her commitment to
mission and to working with this vulnerable population. There will be however, more
concrete tasks which the Host Community will be relied upon to perform.

Core Competencies:
The ideal candidate will be:
● A person of integrity who is committed to the mission and values of LWN, and has a
passion for and knowledge of the field of human trafficking
● Culturally competent and experienced working with vulnerable populations
● An effective communicator with both writing and excellent public speaking skills
● Appreciative of and open to the spiritual foundation of LWN

Qualifications:
● Heart, humor and a commitment to the LifeWay Network mission
● Commitment to long-term stay (2-3 years minimum), and commitment to stay in safe
house on weekend days, evenings, and special events as required for the role
● Prior experience in trauma-informed setting required
● Prior experience in Mental Health or similar field preferred
● Comfortability in participating in art therapy or activities in a group setting
● Prior experience in community-living setting required
● Thorough understanding of confidentiality and privacy procedures as they relate to a
residential facility
● Proficient in computer skills and email.
● Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter and collaborate within a larger team
● Excellent verbal communication skills and listening skills
● Demonstrated success with community relationship building
● Must have active NYS driver’s license and vehicle
● Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
● Bilingual English/French a plus

Benefits of being in this role:
● living in community, with room and board costs provided by LifeWay
● ability to work full time outside the safe housing program
● gaining experience in supporting survivors of human trafficking with complex
trauma