Family Advocate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is required. A bachelor’s degree in social work or master’s degree in counseling or social work and a state social work/counseling license is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, have access to personal transportation and be willing to travel for client related activities including commuting between CVIC’s shelter, main office and Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).

COMPENSATION: $36,999-$55,499 based on education and experience. Benefits include a generous leave package including annual leave, sick leave, and personal days; 11 paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401k with employer match; and potential eligibility for federal student loan repayment.

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Shelter Services

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

RESPONSIBILITIES

Crisis Intervention and advocacy

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, support and self-sufficiency services for youth and non-abusing parents, including advocacy within the child protection system, education system and/or the criminal justices system.
• Offer case-related consultation and supportive services to child protection workers, law enforcement, judges, custody investigators, school personnel, early care and development centers, and other professionals working with children in crisis and/or affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking or dating violence.
• Based upon a thorough and current knowledge of the dynamics and signs of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and child abuse, assess abuse and sexual assault situations reported to the agency and make appropriate decisions regarding intervention to ensure safety of the victim and minors.
• Make all necessary arrangements to provide safe housing, food, and other necessities to victims and minors during crisis periods.

Children’s Advocacy Center support

• Offer supportive services, crisis intervention, education on coping skills, and advocacy services for individuals involved with the Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Participate in the multi-disciplinary team approach at the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Individual support and advocacy

• Demonstrate professional listening skills in assisting clients with the evaluation of their life situation; the identification of possible courses of action; and the establishment of short- and long-term goals.
• Assist clients with the development of life-coping skills including assertiveness, self-confidence, problem solving, and decision making.
• Provide victims with accurate information about the criminal justice system including court procedures; the process for filing and serving protection orders; guardian ad litem laws; and the role of the sheriff, police, states attorney and legal assistance offices.
• Accompany victims of sexual assault and abuse to legal proceedings and provide appropriate support.
• Accompany victims of sexual assault and abuse to the hospital for medical examinations and provide appropriate support.
• Provide assistance to clients to support them in becoming self-sufficient.

Assist the Director of Shelter Services with the overall operation of the shelter.

• Is familiar with and follows safety policies. Is knowledgeable of evacuation procedures and other emergency procedures.
• Participates in keeping the facility clean and in good working condition.
• Reports maintenance issues to the director of shelter service and/or make arrangements for repairs as needed.

Parenting support

• Provide individual and group parenting support.
• Provide education to parents on the impact of exposure to violence and trauma.

Referrals

• Be familiar with other related agencies and services and provide clients with appropriate referral information.

Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all client demographics and contacts with clients and other agencies, according to established procedures.
• Maintain filing system, including cross-referencing, according to established procedures.

Participate on community committees as assigned to strengthen community partnerships and collaboration.

All other duties as assigned.

Be life changing with us. Apply today by submitting a cover letter, resume and completing the employment application at https://cvic.bamboohr.com/jobs/. Contact Kristina Stepps, Director of Human Resources at kristinas@cviconline.org with any questions.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

CVIC is an equal opportunity employer including disability/veterans.