Family Advocate

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of the CAC Director, the family advocate works as a partner in providing and acquiring proper resources for non-offending parents or guardians of alleged victims of child sexual or domestic abuse and child victims. The advocate has experience with and access to local service agencies and resources to better meet the needs of clients at the Homer CAC. The family advocate also assists families and child victims in understanding and navigating the process of a child abuse investigation. The advocate serves as a liaison and voice for families, working between the different resource agencies and the multidisciplinary team, to ensure services are provided in the best interest of the child.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

- Provide initial and ongoing support to children and their non-offending caregivers when there is an allegation of abuse, including information regarding dynamics of abuse and the coordinated Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) response; updates on case status; assistance accessing/obtaining victim’s rights as outlined by law; court education, support, and accompaniment; and assistance with access to treatment and other services.

- Assists families in locating sources of support and helps them navigate through the process in an open, compassionate and professional way, while supporting the Homer CAC’s and SPHH’s mission.

- Secure and maintain complete, current, and accurate evidence, case files, and Trak database records.

- Actively participate in the MDT and attend MDT meetings and case reviews.

- In the absence of the CAC Director, accept and complete initial referral phase for investigative cases referred to the CAC.

- Remains updated on current local and State resources, fostering a positive, professional and respectful relationship with agencies, multidisciplinary teams and authorities.

- Serve as a liaison between the families and members of the MDT as needed.

- Participate in ongoing education in child maltreatment and victim advocacy.

- Assist the CAC Director and perform general office duties.

- Work with CAC and SPHH staff to select and implement resources and/or curricula to empower the community to identify and prevent child abuse.

- Provide education to parents, caregivers, community members, and providers about concrete actions they can take to protect children from abuse and what to do if abuse is suspected or disclosed.

- Works a flexible schedule as required by the needs of the position.

- Responds to on-call emergency cases referred to the Homer CAC.

- Other duties as assigned.

Necessary Skills and Experience:

- Education in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Early Childhood/Child Development, Criminal Justice, Business/Health Administration, or related field OR equivalent experience in victim advocacy and/or family services.

- Working knowledge of Parent-child interaction, child development materials and the dynamics of child sexual abuse and neglect.

- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy; motivated and willing to take initiative.

- Personal commitment to confidentiality, compassion, dignity, and respect for everyone.

- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully verbally and in writing to individuals and groups.

- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills.

- Experience and demonstrated success with collaboration and teamwork.

- Proven knowledge of basic computer skills and office equipment.

Benefits:
- Generous PTO

- 403(B) optional retirement plan with opportunity for cash match.

- Employee Assistance Program

Working Conditions: Fast-paced office environment with moderate to loud noise. Frequent, unscheduled interruptions. Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions (cigarette smoke, bodily fluids, spills, chemicals, cleaning agents, broken glass, etc.) Exposure to communicable diseases.

Machines and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment (FAX machine, computers, copier, telephone, etc.), outside grounds & yard equipment, basic carpentry tools, and household cleaning equipment (vacuum cleaners, mop, etc.)

Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, sit, hear, speak, climb stairs, stoop, reach, use hands, lift up to 25 lbs. and carry it up and down the stairs, see, and use close vision.

Relationships with Others: Cooperates and interacts with all SPHH staff, volunteers, service agencies, and other community members with dignity and tact. Will not engage in intimate relationships with a person or the partner of a person seeking or receiving services from SPHH.

Supervised By: CAC Director Positions

Supervised: None

BACKGROUND CHECK: The position requires the applicant to be fingerprinted and complete a national FBI/State of Alaska criminal background check.

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently live in the Homer area?
• Do you have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22