ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

Nashville Children’s Alliance (NCA) is the child advocacy center for Nashville and Davidson County. NCA serves all children in Davidson County aged 3 – 17 when sexual or severe physical abuse allegations are reported, with the majority of referrals coming from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). NCA is a child-focused, trauma-informed therapeutic environment designed to meet the needs of child abuse victims and their non-offending family members.

NCA is involved in child sexual and severe physical abuse cases from the first allegation of abuse until after the case is resolved in court, at absolutely no cost to families. Since 1992, NCA has worked to deliver and coordinate the services required for children to feel safe, begin the healing process, and look forward to bright futures. 

NCA’s mission is to provide healing and justice for children who have been abused or exposed to violence. NCA is located inside the Family Safety Center (FSC), a co-working space that facilitates services between the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), the District Attorney General’s Office (DA), and various nonprofit organizations. In collaboration with these partners, NCA works with children and non-offending caregivers using three evidence-based approaches: forensic interviews and family advocacy, Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) coordination, and trauma-informed therapy.

Objectives: 

The primary responsibility of the Family Support Specialist is to provide support to non-offending caregivers when they bring their children to NCA for a forensic interview and provide information about the center and its services.

The Family Support Specialist is a key member of NCA’s investigative team and works closely with the forensic interviewers and members of the multidisciplinary team, including the Department of Children’s Services, Metro Nashville Police Departments, the District Attorney General’s Office, and medical personnel.

Job Responsibilities:

• Meet with non-offending caregivers when they bring their children to the NCA for a forensic interview, and provide information about the center and its services.
• Provide parent packets to and discuss contents with non-offending caregivers.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning to parents/caregivers of children presenting for services.
• Conduct a needs survey with the non-offending parent and identify immediate needs.
• Assist non-offending parents in accessing needed resources, including applying for Victims Compensation.
• Make appropriate referrals for therapy for their children, and manage the clinical waiting list.
• Provide ongoing support to non-offending parents/caregivers through the investigative and healing process.
• Maintain documentation of all client and agency contacts. Track cases and enter information into the case tracking system until final adjudication and/or close to services.
• Communicate with other professionals involved with the client/case as necessary and appropriate.
• Attend Child Protective Investigative Team case reviews with relevant information, such as client progress and safety concerns.
• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Director of Forensic Services and CEO.

Qualifications:

• College degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, child development, or a related field.
• Two years’ work experience with children and families.
• Demonstrated professional knowledge of child abuse and neglect and child development. 
• No criminal history as determined by a criminal background check.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Nashville Children’s Alliance is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. NCA does not discriminate in regard to gender, race, sexual preference, sexual identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, or marital status in the recruitment, selection, or placement of employees.

Nashville Children’s Alliance offers excellent paid time off and recognizes 20 holidays throughout the year. NCA provides insurance options including medical, vision, dental, and life.

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and a cover letter to Barbara Tallent at barbara.tallent@nashvillechildrensalliance.org with the subject line “Family Support Specialist.”