Family Advocate

Reports to: Director of Family Services

Location: Child Advocacy Center/Community based settings

PURPOSE:

The Child Advocacy Center Family Advocate assists juvenile victims of child abuse and their families who are referred to the CAC by providing a full range of services including assistance with crisis intervention, court support, case status, community referrals, community awareness, and performs related duties as required. CAC Family advocates serve children with Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), human trafficking, physical, and sexual abuse by providing community-based support, referrals, and education about the investigative process, rights, and trauma to the juvenile's family. The family advocate supports a family throughout a child sexual abuse investigation, intake through disposition.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Greet and orient the child/family to the Child Advocacy Center
• Provide education/support regarding the investigative processes occurring within the judicial, medical, and child protective services realms
• Provide education about the coordinated multidisciplinary response
• Provide information to the non-offending caregivers regarding trauma and the impact of trauma on children and families
• Attends schedule staffing and/or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings
• Serve as the liaison between the family and the MDT, keeping the family updated on case status
• Provide crisis intervention/support
• In conjunction with various members of the MDT, provide education on the dynamics of abuse, coping strategies, the effects of abuse on children and ways to help and support the child
• Explain the child's rights as a crime victim and, if needed, provide assistance in accessing/obtaining these rights
• Provide court, medical, and/or legal education/support/accompaniment
• Assist the child/family in accessing therapy services
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to victims and their families by making immediate assessment of needs and makes referrals to other community resources
• Work with prosecutors and law enforcement to ensure juvenile victim's confidentiality is maintained
• Educate law enforcement, prosecutors, and court staff on the needs of juvenile victims of crime
• Assist guardians with applications for State Victim Assistance Compensation by obtaining the necessary information and documents, filling out and processing required paperwork, and following case through payment of bills; Coordinate with victim service providers and the Ohio Attorney General's Office
• Orients victims to the criminal justice system by explaining procedural status of criminal proceedings or cases; provide court support to victims
• Initiate case records and provides necessary documentation of case activities in a timely manner to the Justice Affairs Manager
• Act as an advocate for juvenile victims to ensure their needs are addressed by the community and criminal justice system; Confer with law enforcement and prosecutors on the status of cases; Assist with preparation of temporary protection orders, reimbursement claims, and other processes designed to protect the rights of victims
• Provide support to victims and family during interviews with law enforcement officers, attorneys, and court personnel.
• Provide victim with explanation of criminal justice system rights
• Provide victims and family with follow-up contacts relating to a case status/disposition, information such as charges files, status of criminal proceedings, terms and conditions of probation, parole hearings, and release date
• Promote CAC through community meetings
• Maintain positive working relationships internally and with assigned courts and team partners
• Serve children with PSB in providing medical and/or criminal justice education and support

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respect, understand, and promote CAC mission, values, and goals
• Assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as needed and directed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in human service, child development, or related field and/or five years of relevant experience
• Must have and maintain a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain appropriate insurance coverage
• Must maintain appropriate driving record and personal vehicle
• Registered victim advocacy credentials (RA) within one year of employment.
• Extensive experience working with victims of domestic violence and child abuse

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

• Considerable knowledge of criminal justice system, crisis intervention practices, interviewing, community resources, crime victimization, victim's rights, and advocacy techniques
• Computer skills with word processing, database management, e-mail, fax, windows application capabilities
• Ability to make sensitive and insightful observations of individuals and to determine a course of intervention
• Ability to address crisis situations which require prompt decision and action
• Knowledge of safety issues
• Knowledge of social, emotional, and personal aspects of domestic violence
• Working knowledge of community resources available for adult victims of domestic violence
• Ability to perform job duties with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment
• Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, functions, procedures, organization, and policies governing the operations of CAC
• Ability to analyze problems and develop a plan of action/correction
• Ability to organize work, engage in a variety of tasks, and consistently meet deadlines
• Demonstrated sounded judgment and outstanding interpersonal skills
• Emotional maturity, stability, personal integrity, initiative, and resourcefulness
• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with staff, board members, accrediting bodies, grantors, funding bodies, clients, volunteers, and the general public
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Working ability to communicate effectively with victims, defendants, law enforcement, and court personnel; coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with courts, agencies, and individuals
• Willingness to respect, understand, and promote the mission, values, and goals of the agency
• Ability to incorporate the CAC philosophy into assigned duties
• Development of self-respect and respect for others
• Celebration of diversity
• Promotion of growth in each individual
• Shared responsibility and involvement
• Open, honest, ethical, and direct communication

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to operate a computer and keyboard
• Ability to perform job responsibilities in a facility with multiple levels and without elevators
• Must be able to provide services at various locations
• Communicate with others in person, electronically, or by phone on a consistent basis
• Regular and predictable attendance

Canopy offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous paid time off, including ten (10) paid holidays, as well as vacation, sick, personal, trauma days, and paid bereavement leave.