Family Advocate

Job Overview
The Family Advocate provides victim-centered advocacy to children and non-offending caregivers seen at the Child Advocacy Center. The advocate's primary role is to provide support and education to the family in order to ensure the family’s needs are met, their voice is heard on the MDT, and they are engaged in the investigation process. The advocate serves as a liaison between the family and all other components of the MDT.

Duties

• 1. Provides crisis intervention, psychoeducation, risk assessment, safety planning assistance, and support to children and their non-offending caregivers.
• Keep families aware of updates on dispositions made in the case.
• Provide services to families throughout the entire investigation and court process. Advocates provide active outreach and follow-up support services.
• Assess family dynamics, family awareness of the report, developmental abilities, cultural considerations, and barriers to engagement upon the initial meeting with the family.
• Be present at the time of the forensic interview to participate in information sharing with the MDT.
• Coordinate with MDT agencies regarding child maltreatment cases during the investigation.
• Participates in case review meetings for all service areas in order to represent the needs and concerns of the family with the MDT.
• Coordinate with on-site mental health therapists to ensure that families receive evidence- based, trauma- focused mental health care.
• Coordinate with the on-site SANE to ensure families receive specialized medical care as needed.
• Provide assistance in obtaining concrete services, such as: housing, protective orders, public assistance, transportation, etc.
• Assist families with applications for Crime Victim’s Compensation.
• Coordinate with local Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices for court education, courtroom tours, support, and court accompaniment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree; preferably social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Skilled in ability to establish rapport with children and families.
• Skilled in ability to remain calm under stressful situations.
• Skilled in crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the dynamics of child abuse.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the dynamics of trauma in children and adults.
• Organizational skills.
• Flexible schedules are required for after-hours acute cases.
• No criminal convictions or child maltreatment findings.
• Two years of experience working with child victims of abuse is desired but not required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person