What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Advocate position at Doves of Gateway?
Job Overview
The Child Advocate will provide trauma-informed, compassionate care to children residing in shelter, supporting their emotional well-being and promoting positive experiences during their stay. This position focuses on building trust, fostering joy, and strengthening parent–child connections through creative activities, advocacy, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is outgoing, patient, and resourceful—someone who can balance fun, structure, and empathy to make every child feel seen, valued, and safe.
What you’ll do
- Welcome new children and families to the shelter and help them feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
- Conduct intake assessments for children and collaborate with parents and guardians to identify each child’s needs, interests, and goals.
- Develop and implement individualized support plans to promote emotional healing, stability, and positive experiences for children while in shelter.
- Organize and lead engaging activities for children, including arts and crafts, cooking classes, outdoor play, field trips, and special events.
- Facilitate structured opportunities for parent–child bonding, such as family movie nights, shared meals, or weekly traditions that can continue after leaving the shelter.
- Connect children and families with community resources, including library programs, recreational activities, and educational supports.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of children in collaboration with parents, schools, and community agencies.
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and age-appropriate education on safety and healing.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of services provided.
- Ensure children have access to needed supplies, toys, and personal items—empowering them with choice and involvement in selecting these items.
- Assist with transportation for children and families to appointments, activities, and outings.
- Monitor common areas and play spaces for safety, cleanliness, and child-friendly environments.
- Collaborate with other shelter staff to ensure trauma-informed, family-centered care is consistently provided.
- Prepare and submit program documentation and reports as required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20