Supported, Technology-Based Employment for Survivor Recovery and Integration
Melinda Gill, MBBS, FRACGP, MPH | September 23 | 10:15-11:15 AM
Topic: Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Human trafficking survivors often face considerable difficulty securing safe, sustainable employment upon exiting human trafficking and returning to the community. Without safe employment that pays a living wage, people who have been trafficked remain highly vulnerable to ongoing exploitation (Tran et al, 2017). Regenesys BPO is a social enterprise operating in the Philippines for over seven years that provides supported, technology-based employment to survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and intimate violence, together with other vulnerable young people. The company aims not only to provide a living wage through enhanced technical skills and stable employment, but also a context in which survivors can progress toward achieving full and sustained reintegration. Research pertaining to vocational training and supported employment is lacking within the literature on trafficking specific services. Therefore, Regenesys BPO has needed to significantly adapt existing resources and innovate new approaches to ensure survivors can be successful in a competitive work environment. Strategies which are embedded within the workplace include an open, supportive, and nurturing workplace culture, trauma-informed performance management, formalized educational programs addressing physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing, and workplace counseling (Gill & Tsai, 2018). The enterprise’s accumulated experience and emerging research demonstrate sustained improvement in mental health outcomes, increase personal empowerment, and strengthening of personal identity, self-esteem, and core capabilities (Poveda et al, 2019). Attendees will gain a deep appreciation for the significant role of higher skilled and supported workplace environments in survivor recovery and the specific dynamics and strategies within the workplace that support this outcome.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the importance of sustained, decent employment for survivors
· Describe the role of the workplace in survivor recovery and reintegration