Domestic Violence Advocate/Child Protective Services Liaison

Caring Unlimited is York County’s Domestic Violence Resource Center. We offer direct support and safety planning services to anyone impacted by domestic violence, along with prevention education, training, and professional consultation.

We are hiring a Domestic Violence Advocate/Child Protective Services (DVA-CPS) Liaison. In this position you willwork collaboratively with the Department of Health and Human Services’ local Child Protective Services staff in York County to promote victim safety.

What you will do:

As part of our Outreach Team, you will provide direct support services to survivors involved with Child Protective Services. You will conduct individual advocacy and safety planning, participate in police report call backs (especially when children are present), and facilitate support groups. This role works across systems and agencies to help inform decision-making in cases involving domestic violence through training, consultation and systems advocacy.

In addition you will:

• Support our clients: You will provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and lead support groups to victims/survivors and their children referred by CPS, fellow advocates, and community partners. Your work will support survivors in increasing their safety, navigating complex systems, gaining access to resources, and making informed decisions.
• Advocate within systems: You will advocate for survivors, within legal and other systems, helping ensure their needs and choices are represented in decisions that affect them and their children.
• Consult with Child Protective Services (CPS): You will consult with CPS workers on DV cases, ensuring consistent and appropriate responses to victims/survivors with whom they are working. You will also educate CPS staff about the dynamics of abusive relationships to inform their decision-making.
• Liaise between CPS and other agencies: You will serve as a critical liaison between CPS, other service agencies, and Caring Unlimited. This includes spending time on-site at CPS offices participating in trainings, meetings, and other DHHS-CPS activities, as appropriate. You will also share knowledge across teams by educating fellow CU advocates on CPS processes. This work helps strengthen communication across systems and agencies.
• Perform general office work: You will participate in staff development training, staff meetings, and routine office coordination. You will assist in shared 24-hour helpline coverage and backup as scheduled, including being on call for occasional nights and weekends. You will maintain appropriate records, statistical information, complete and submit required reports in a timely manner. You will follow established policies and procedures and comply with all safety requirements. You will perform other tasks and projects as assigned.
• Complete special projects: You will play an occasional role in volunteer training, public awareness events, and fundraising efforts. You will also participate in regional and statewide meetings and trainings as appropriate. Travel throughout York County required.

What we’re looking for in you:

Caring Unlimited is a dynamic environment that offers the opportunity to do meaningful, survivor-centered work alongside dedicated, supportive colleagues. We are looking for individuals who align with our mission, vision and values, and bring professionalism and care to their role.

You will also bring:

• Knowledge and sensitivity to issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking
• At least two years of prior successful experience working in a victims’ advocacy organization (strongly preferred)
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or tell us how your closely related work or personal experience is an equivalent
• Ability to complete Caring Unlimited’s required advocacy training and Child Protective Services orientation provided by the Office of Child and Family Services within 6 months of start date.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively, with colleagues and community partners, to ensure survivor-centered support.
• Motivation and initiative to balance a steady caseload, while staying organized and managing time effectively.
• Strong communication skills, and the ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, individuals requesting services, partner agencies and community members.
• The demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality of client, coworker, and internal business information.
• The ability to work comfortably in a general office environment, using standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and database systems. You may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary starts at $22/hr
• Generous paid time off! 3 weeks vacation, 12 holidays, and 7 sick days
• 95% employer-paid health insurance for employees and dependent children
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance
• Flexibility: This position offers a hybrid work option
• Quarterly staff wellness events

Join Caring Unlimited:

At Caring Unlimited we believe in creating a community where everyone is safe, respected, and free from abuse. Our dedicated and professional team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence and their families. If you’re looking for meaningful work in a supportive, trauma-informed environment, you’ve come to the right place.

Why work with us?

Mission-Driven Work: Every role at Caring Unlimited contributes to ending domestic violence in York County.

Supportive Culture: We provide excellent training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

How to apply:

Send your resume and a brief explanation of your interest and relevant experience to mail@caring-unlimited.org with the job title in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Caring Unlimited is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; and it does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, service member status, family status, or any other status protected by law.

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in this position?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sanford, ME 04073 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sanford, ME 04073