Bilingual Family Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

The Family Advocate provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and victim-centered services to children and non-offending caregivers served by First Light Child Advocacy Center across its 10-county service area.. The Family Advocate supports families throughout the forensic interview, medical, investigative, and follow-up process; helps families understand what to expect; identifies barriers to safety and healing; and connects families with appropriate community resources. Services and documentation must be provided in accordance with applicable grant requirements, including VOCA guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide immediate and ongoing support to child victims and non-offending caregivers, including crisis intervention as needed.

• Welcome and orient children and non-offending caregivers to First Light, process and help families understand the roles of the forensic interviewer, medical provider, law enforcement, Child Protective Services (CPS), prosecution, and other MDT partners.

• Assess the needs of children and non-offending caregivers and provide individualized information, referrals, and assistance accessing services, including trauma-focused mental health treatment, medical care, basic needs, safety resources, transportation, victim assistance, and other community supports.

• Provide information about crime victims' rights, available victim services, and assist families in accessing those resources.

• Provide timely follow-up with children and non-offending caregivers to support continuity of services, identify emerging needs or safety concerns, and help ensure a coordinated service response.

• Perform intake functions for referrals from law enforcement and CPS, including gathering relevant background information and coordinating forensic interviews and medical evaluations.

• Assist with coordination and tracking of CAC-led intakes; contact caregivers and professionals as needed and help ensure a coordinated response between law enforcement and CPS.

• Collaborate with DHHS, law enforcement, medical professionals, forensic interviewers, mental health professionals, prosecutors, victim service providers, and other community partners throughout the investigation and service-delivery process.

• Participate in investigative and/or treatment MDT meetings, case review, internal case staffing, and other team meetings as needed; provide appropriate updates regarding family needs, services, and case information.

• Help families obtain information regarding the status of the investigation and prosecution and connect them with the appropriate MDT professional for case-specific questions.

• Provide support related to the court process when requested or appropriate, including referrals, court orientation, accompaniment, or assistance connecting families with prosecution-based victim assistance services.

• Maintain accurate, objective, fact-based, clear, concise, and timely case documentation in First Light Child Advocacy Center databases and other required systems.

• Maintain and report accurate program and service data required for grant compliance, funder reporting, quality improvement, and program evaluation.

• Provide information and referrals to community members who contact First Light with concerns regarding possible child abuse or neglect, consistent with agency protocol.

• Provide culturally responsive and accessible services to all families and work to identify and reduce barriers to participation in services.

• Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with agency policy, applicable law, grant requirements, and professional standards.

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree preferred in social work, criminal justice, psychology, human services, or a related field.

• Relevant education and/or training in child abuse and neglect, child welfare, victim services, crisis response, or related systems is preferred.

Experience and Training

• Previous professional experience working with children and families, particularly those who have experienced trauma, is preferred.

• Training and/or experience in crisis intervention is preferred.

• Previous experience with the child welfare, criminal justice, victim services, or multidisciplinary team system is preferred.

• Bilingual skills are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of child abuse and neglect, family violence, trauma, and the needs of non-offending caregivers.

• Working knowledge of community resources and the child welfare and judicial systems, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening and the ability to communicate effectively with children, caregivers, and professionals during emotionally difficult situations.

• Strong organizational, time-management, documentation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to establish professional boundaries, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to provide services in a culturally responsive, respectful, and nonjudgmental manner.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn case tracking and data systems.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Family Advocate will complete initial and ongoing training consistent with applicable National Children's Alliance standards, grant requirements, and First Light policies. Training should include child maltreatment, trauma-informed advocacy, crisis response, victim rights, cultural responsiveness, multidisciplinary team practice, and other topics relevant to the position. The employee is expected to maintain required annual continuing education.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours and provide on-call coverage during nights and weekends on a rotating basis.

• Must submit to required criminal history and other background checks in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.

• Must have reliable transportation, possess a valid driver's license, and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

• Position requires travel, primarily within First Light's service area and occasionally elsewhere in Nebraska for meetings, training, or agency business.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to work in office, community, medical, and multidisciplinary settings; sit and stand for extended periods; walk between meetings and client appointments; use a computer for documentation and coordination; communicate clearly and listen attentively in emotionally sensitive situations; and occasionally lift or carry materials and supplies up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

First Light Child Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,

disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or modified as organizational needs change. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.