The Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative Working to Disrupt Human Trafficking (the “RIC”) is a collaboration of stakeholders and advocates from across Region 3 of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) whose work is focused on addressing human trafficking. Within Region 3 it was found that: 1) there were many impactful initiatives to address human trafficking conducted throughout the Region and 2) there was much duplication without inter-organizational communication. While the RIC has made great strides in connecting organizations, it is clear there remains a lack of comprehensive networking of entities engaged in work to address human trafficking. Further, there remains a need to develop an understanding of the needs of entities who are engaged in efforts to reduce human trafficking in our region.
The largest area of support that the VISTA in this position will provide includes a needs assessment of stakeholders across the region. The VISTA will be charged with identifying human trafficking stakeholders in each state and territory. The VISTA will then work to identify strengths and gaps of the region, based on the missions of these stakeholders. Further, the VISTA will conduct a survey of these stakeholders to understand their individual and collective needs.
Service Activities
They will first identify stakeholders in the region that work to address human trafficking. Then, they will conduct a needs assessment and a survey of these stakeholders, in order to ensure a more comprehensive and communicative network.
Community Need Addressed
Despite strides made by the RIC (Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative) to engage regional stakeholders in the realm of human trafficking, there is still a lack of comprehensive networking. Additionally, many of these stakeholders' individual and collective needs are not yet understood or addressed.
Position Outcomes
By engaging a VISTA, the region will be better prepared for addressing human trafficking in a comprehensive, collaborative manner across and within communities.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Project Management, Communication Skills, Community Organizing, Research, Teamwork, Community Engagement, Nonprofit Management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment