Victim and Family Advocate

Job Summary:

The Red River Children’s Advocacy Center (RRCAC) Victim Advocate is the liaison for the family with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to anticipate and respond to the specific needs of children and their families more effectively, educate, inform and support on the court process and increase access to resources needed by the child and family.

Job Responsibilities:

· Advocacy for Forensic Interviews by connecting with caregiver’s pre-interview, provide support during and post interview through referrals, resources, education and moral support. Assess needed crisis assessment/intervention, and risk and safety planning. The advocate provides assistance in crisis in navigating the multiple systems involved at different points throughout the case through direct service and linking the family with resources in the community.

· Acts as a liaison between the family and the multidisciplinary team to facilitate communication and cooperation.

· Evaluates the individual needs and cultural considerations for the child and family to ensure those needs are being addressed.

· Provide active outreach and follow-up support services for caregivers

· Connect with caregiver to provide information and case updates, assistance in procuring concrete services (such as housing, clothing, food, economic assistance programs, etc.) and coordinating referrals for specialized, trauma focused treatment and court advocacy in a timely fashion. Provide families with access to victim’s rights services and Crime Victim compensation resources.

· The Advocate participates in case review in order to discuss the unique needs of the child and family and plan associated support services.

· The Advocate provides updates to the family on case status, continuances, dispositions, sentencing and inmate status notifications and/or connect them to the SAVIN program.

· Provides back up front desk support by answering front line phone calls and disseminate calls.

· Provides technology support to forensic interview team

· Assists in fundraising efforts for the RRCAC.

· Manage the OMS system for initial visit and follow-up surveys.

· Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required.

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in human services related field (social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, etc.), or equivalent experience. (PREFERRED)

2. Drive and passion to work with children and families

3. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision.

4. Employee must submit to a thorough criminal and child abuse background check upon hire and at least every two years thereafter.

5. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required.

6. Maintain required education, certifications and validations for this position.

Other Skills:

· Adhere to all RRCAC policies/procedures and National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards.

· An employee of the RRCAC is expected to uphold the goals and mission of the RRCAC.

· An employee of the RRCAC is expected to perform all duties outlined in the job description in an ethical and professional manner and maintain confidentiality.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Ability to maintain professional healthy boundaries with clients

· Collaborative workstyle

· Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy

· Trauma informed

· Conflict management and de-escalation skills

· Knowledge of the criminal/juvenile justice system and Social Service agency processes

· Cultural and diversity Competency

· Specialized training for Victims Advocates and on-going training in the field of victim advocacy, child maltreatment and risk assessment/safety planning will be provided by the RRCAC for professional growth and competency.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

This work is primarily sedentary, requiring clear communication, seeing, hearing, talking, concentrating, reading and operating office equipment such as a computer, calculator, phone, copier and scanner. Work is primarily in a climate-controlled area with office equipment level of noise.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25