POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the CAC Program Director, provides crisis intervention and comprehensive case management services to child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers throughout the investigation, intervention, and prosecution process. This position serves as the primary support for families entering the Child Advocacy Center and functions as a liaison between the multidisciplinary team, child victims, and non-offending family members. The Family Advocate & Case Manager coordinates mental health services, facilitates referrals to community resources, provides court support, and ensures families receive appropriate services from intake through case closure.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Family Advocacy & Crisis Intervention
- Provide crisis intervention, crisis stabilization, and support services to child victims and non-offending caregivers upon arrival at the CAC
- Create a psychologically and physically safe environment sensitive to children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development
- Conduct trauma and suicide screenings, provide crisis assessment and intervention, and develop safety plans when needed
- Assist caregivers in completing intake paperwork and ensure understanding of the forensic interview, investigation, and prosecution process
- Respond to after-hours emergency calls for crisis intervention and advocacy services
- Participate in pre- and post-forensic interview staffing with the multidisciplinary team to ensure accurate communication and case coordination
- Accompany clients to SANE exams as needed
Case Management & Service Coordination
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs and risk factors in collaboration with multidisciplinary team partners
- Develop and implement individualized service plans and safety plans based on assessment findings
- Facilitate referrals to appropriate services including counseling, medical care, financial assistance, and social service supports
- Function as liaison between CAC, multidisciplinary team members, child victims, and non-offending family members
- Maintain regular follow-up services with families through phone calls, letters, and meetings throughout the duration of case
- Monitor referrals to mental health services through pre-appointment outreach, attendance verification, and barrier identification
- Maintain and update resource referral lists for local community services available to families and the MDT
Court Support & Legal Advocacy
- Provide court preparation services for children and non-offending family members in conjunction with prosecutors
- Accompany families during criminal justice proceedings and court hearings as needed
- Assist families with completion of Victim Impact Statements and Crime Victims Compensation applications
- Provide ongoing communication about case status and legal proceedings to victims and families
- Serve as liaison between victims/families and the Office of the Attorney General/Crime Victim Assistance Division
- Testify in criminal and civil proceedings when necessary
Program Administration & Documentation
- Document all services provided to clients in case tracking database systems with accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain accurate records of all client contacts, assessments, and service coordination activities
- Participate in MDT meetings, including case review meetings, and provide information regarding children and families
- Participate in required training to meet education requirements of the agency and profession
Community Engagement
- Participate in community awareness activities and events as scheduled
- Respond to community member inquiries and provide tours of the CAC facility
- Collaborate with community partners to strengthen referral networks and service coordination
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field required
- 1- 3 years of experience in case management, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, or social services preferred
- Reliable transportation and ability to respond to after-hours emergency calls
Knowledge of:
- Trauma-informed care principles and child development
- Child abuse dynamics and its impact on family systems
- Crisis response and intervention practices
- Child Advocacy Center/Multidisciplinary Team Model and role of interagency partners
- Community resources for families in need
- Legal processes related to child abuse investigations and prosecution
Skill to:
- Establish rapport and build trust quickly with families in crisis
- Maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate support
- Communicate professionally both orally and in writing with diverse populations
- Actively listen, analyze details, assess needs, and document accurately
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team partners and community stakeholders
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
- Manage competing demands from multiple agencies while maintaining organization and focus
- Effectively use case management databases, documentation systems, and standard office technology
Ability to:
- Adjust to change with a positive attitude and manage significant emotional stress
- Maintain objectivity and professional judgment when working with traumatized families
- Balance empathy for clients with analytical clarity when coordinating with team members
- Stay organized and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the organization's mission
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $42,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person