Family Advocate

Position Overview: This position directly reports to the Executive Director, the Family Advocate is tasked with providing comprehensive support services to child victims and their non-offending family members or caregivers. This position collaborates closely with the Multidisciplinary team. Family Advocacy, with appropriate training, will be required to provide other vital services, such as, but not limited to Forensic Interviewer, MDT coordination, Outreach, prevention training facilitation, etc. as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Certification: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, child development, sociology, criminal justice, or related field; or equivalent combination of higher education and social service experience totaling a minimum of four years.

Experience, Knowledge & Skill Requirements:

· Minimum of three years of experience in the child abuse field preferred

· Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

· Proficiency in working collaboratively, particularly with children, youth, and families

· Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of child abuse, as well as the legal and child welfare systems.

· Ability to effectively collaborate and engage with team members from diverse disciplines such as law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health practitioners, Child Protective Services, and prosecutors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Job Responsibilities-Advocacy:

1. Conduct initial meetings with family members to collect accurate demographic information and explain the services provided by the CAC, as well as their rights as victims.

2. Participate in pre- and post-interview meetings with team members and forensic interviewers assigned to the case.

3. Perform a mini assessment of families’ unmet needs, as well as trauma and suicide screenings to facilitate referrals to other social services based on their expressed needs.

4. Provide support, case updates, and follow-up services through phone calls and correspondence within appropriate time frames.

5. Conduct follow-up phone calls to families who have received services at the CAC. Follow-up phone calls take place at two weeks, one month, 3 months, 6 months, and at least once every 6 months thereafter until the criminal case has reached a final disposition. Calls may be more frequent in the beginning of the case as needed to meet the client’s needs.

6. Assist families in gathering information for and completing Crime Victims’ Compensation paperwork and follow up on the submission and processing of such paperwork.

7. Educate non-offending caregivers about the availability of CAC mental health services for all children, including the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model for abused children, and make referrals for therapy as needed.

8. Provide referrals for medical evaluations (as requested by law enforcement) and explain the process and location of the exams.

9. Assist and participate in scheduling and presenting educational/awareness activities for community organizations, service clubs, and other interested groups.

10. Support mental health staff in areas such as family contact, evaluation, and outcome measurement.

11. Document services provided accurately and promptly in the case tracking system.

12. Coordinate court accompaniment for victims and non-offending family members during court hearings.

13. Be available for rotating on-call advocacy services for after-hours emergencies.

Specific Job Responsibilities: Prevention/Outreach

1. Provide prevention services as needs arise and time allows.

2. Develop relationships with local schools and other youth serving organizations.

3. Teach prevention/outreach classes at the center, schools and other locations throughout the county for children, youth and adults.

4. Attend training and become proficient and knowledgeable in all prevention curriculums utilized by the center designed to prevent child abuse, prevent child sex trafficking, promote child safety, promote internet safety and other topics related to the work and mission of the center.

5. Maintain accurate records and statistics of center’s prevention efforts. Complete all required reports in a timely manner.

Specific Job Responsibilities-General:

1. Ensure compliance with program standards, set by Children’s Advocacy Center of Texas and any other funding sources or regulatory agencies.

2. Be knowledgeable of and abide by FCCC’s policies and procedures.

3. Maintain accurate statistical records as mandated by the agency, federal, state and local governments, funding sources, regulatory agencies, etc.

4. Aid in collection of information for grants.

5. Assist in the planning, preparation and completion of fundraisers and community events as needed.

6. Maintain professionalism in all behaviors, communications and appearance.

7. Maintain family advocacy rooms and waiting areas to ensure a safe and successful environment.

8. Assist with maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

9. Undertake other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person