Child and Youth Advocate

Avalon Center is seeking a Child & Youth Advocate to provide advocacy, support, education, and programming for children and youth impacted by domestic violence.

The Child & Youth Advocate works directly with children, teens, and families while also providing prevention and community education within schools and throughout our service area. This position requires someone who is comfortable working independently, building relationships with young people and community partners, and taking initiative in developing meaningful programming.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, empowerment-based advocacy to children and youth impacted by domestic violence.
• Maintain an active Child & Youth caseload and provide ongoing individual advocacy and support.
• Develop individualized goals with children, youth, and families as appropriate.
• Facilitate activities, support groups, and other programming for children and teens.
• Provide age-appropriate education regarding domestic violence, healthy relationships, safety, boundaries, and related topics.
• Conduct prevention education presentations in schools, including programming designed to support Erin’s Law requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and other partners.
• Coordinate school presentations, outreach efforts, and community events throughout the service area.
• Respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse and follow agency procedures and mandatory-reporting requirements.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of services in Apricot.
• Collect required surveys, outcome measurements, and other program documentation.
• Participate in staff meetings, Child & Youth meetings, trainings, community events, and agency activities.
• Develop and implement projects that strengthen Child & Youth services.
• Assist with agency outreach and awareness activities as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Avalon Center policies, grant requirements, and professional standards.
• Perform other duties necessary to support clients and the overall mission of Avalon Center.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Connects well with children and teenagers.
• Understands or is willing to learn trauma-informed and empowerment-based advocacy.
• Is comfortable presenting to groups of children, teens, educators, and community members.
• Takes initiative and can independently identify what needs to be done.
• Is organized and able to manage a caseload, presentations, events, documentation, and competing priorities.
• Communicates effectively with clients, coworkers, schools, and community partners.
• Is comfortable asking questions, receiving feedback, and continuing to develop professionally.
• Can work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Is dependable, flexible, creative, and willing to problem-solve.

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience in social work, advocacy, education, child development, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with children or youth strongly preferred.
• Experience related to domestic violence, trauma, victim services, prevention education, or advocacy is a plus.
• Ability to travel throughout Avalon Center’s service area for school presentations, meetings, and community events.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and agency training.

Avalon Center is an equal opportunity employer.