Full Time Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Organization: Just for Kids, Inc. Child Advocacy Center Primary Location: Oak Hill, WV (service area includes Fayette and Raleigh Counties) Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week | [Exempt] Reports to: Executive Director Compensation: $38,000

Position Summary

Just for Kids, Inc. is seeking a Family Advocate to provide direct support to children and families in cases where significant child abuse has been alleged. Working alongside a team of compassionate, mission-driven colleagues in a supportive environment, the Family Advocate serves as a front-line resource — establishing face-to-face rapport, building trust, and walking with families through what is often a lengthy and difficult process following a disclosure.

The Family Advocate participates in multidisciplinary investigative team (MDIT) meetings to advocate for children and families who have been interviewed by Just for Kids staff, and ensures that no family navigates the investigative and healing process alone.

This position serves both Fayette and Raleigh Counties, with a primary work location in Oak Hill, WV.

Key Responsibilities: Direct Services to Children and Families

At the time of the forensic interview and throughout the case, the Family Advocate will:

• Provide emotional support to the child and their non-offending caregivers
• Explain the investigative process, victims' rights, and Crime Victims' Compensation, and assist with applications as needed
• Refer and link families to appropriate mental health providers
• Refer and link families to specialized medical facilities when indicated
• Provide ongoing case management and follow-up
• Offer additional advocacy services to the child and non-offending family members as needs arise

Multidisciplinary Team and Community Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in multidisciplinary investigative team (MDIT) meetings
• Coordinate with MDIT partners, including Child Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical providers, and other advocates
• Attend community collaborative meetings and represent Just for Kids as needed

Documentation and Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely advocacy notes in the agency case tracking database
• Complete required paperwork and monthly reports for funders
• Attend trainings relevant to the role and to the strengthening of Just for Kids, Inc. and the multidisciplinary team
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree, or four (4) years of experience working with children and families
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel between counties
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and comply with mandated reporter requirements

Preferred

• Experience working with child victims of abuse
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Familiarity with the Child Advocacy Center model and multidisciplinary response

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport quickly with children and families in crisis
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Organization and follow-through across a varied caseload
• Capacity to work effectively within a team and across partner agencies

Working Conditions

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Regular travel between Fayette and Raleigh County locations is expected
• Some evening and weekend work is possible
• This role involves exposure to sensitive and difficult case material. Just for Kids maintains protocols and supports designed to promote a safe work environment and to reduce the effects of secondary traumatic stress, including: supervision structure, debriefing practices, and wellness benefits.

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter and three references (two professional) to mdjohnson@jfkwv.com Position open until filled.

Just for Kids, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Just for Kids, Inc. is a non-profit and all positions based on the availability of funds.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• working with children: 4 years (Required)
• Child welfare: 1 year (Required)
• Microsoft and Outlook: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38,000