Polaris Project - Resource Navigator Specialist

Polaris Project

We are seeking a Resource Navigation Specialist to provide resources navigation services and support to survivors of trafficking through the Resilience Fund and Resource Navigation Programs at Polaris. In this role, resource navigation means guiding and directing survivors to the correct resources, navigating systems, and providing support to access publicly available benefits. This role requires a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes survivor safety, empowerment, and dignity. The Resource Navigator Specialist must understand the impact of trauma on decision-making, employment, and financial stability, and tailor their support accordingly. They will provide comprehensive information on available resources and services. The Resource Navigation Specialist will work to support the entire Resource Navigation team and cross-functionally to ensure deliverables are met and service is efficient and effective for unique survivor needs.

Responsibilities - Resilience Fund

• Conduct survivor intake to understand unique survivor needs, then create appropriate long-term plans for accessing publicly available benefits, resources, and services through Polaris and
• external providers;
• Deliver intensive services, public/health benefits navigation, and trainings to survivors of human trafficking using a trauma-informed approach;
• Ensure training and communication is culturally sensitive and honors survivors identities, unique needs, and lived experiences;
• Provide public/health benefits navigation, and follow up services to survivors of trafficking;
• Provide career guidance and networking support to survivors of trafficking;
• Assist with distributing direct cash assistance to a pre-determined “treatment cohort” of survivors through the Resilience Fund

Other Responsibilities - General Resource Navigation

• Determine survivor eligibility to access Bridge Resources: flights, hotel stays, and ride shares, as available and appropriate;
• Book flights, hotel stays, and ride shares for survivors, following Polaris protocols and internal policies;
• Provide guidance to survivors requesting access to other types of support through recent legislation like the Debt Bondage Relief Act or the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act;
• Assist with onboarding additional Resource Navigation Specialist staff by providing task-specific trainings and technical assistance;
• Maintain working knowledge of human trafficking and professional knowledge of benefits access by attending trainings, webinars, and workshops relevant to the role;
• Maintain partnerships with external stakeholders in the anti-trafficking field;
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

This job description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by

individuals in this position. Incumbents may be asked to perform other tasks not specifically

written in this job.

Required Qualifications

• Three years professional experience in a related field and/or a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• Experience providing services to, or working with, individuals who have experienced trauma;
• Demonstrated experience or training in trauma-informed care, crisis response, or survivor advocacy;
• Ability to conduct interviews, take sufficient notes, and create long-term sustainable needs-based plans while empowering survivor agency and autonomy;
• Ability to maintain a calm affect and provide non-judgemental, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care to survivors of trafficking;
• Ability to communicate effectively to stakeholders and partners;
• Comfortable triaging tasks, understanding urgency, and balancing many projects simultaneously;
• Experience managing budgets and projects;
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem solving skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines;
• Commitment to the mission and values of Polaris

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience with human trafficking or exploitation
• Lived or professional experience navigating federal, state, and/or local benefits, housing assistance, financial assistance, and/or case management;
• Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC) certification
• Experience providing case management to survivors of human trafficking;
• Fluency in another language, preferably Spanish;