Children’s Advocate

Position Title: Children's Advocate

Position Description: Salaried position. Responsible for the following: Providing support for child victims and their non-offending family members before, during and after the forensic interview process; providing after hours crisis intervention, to include coordination of, and accompaniment to medical exams as needed; participating in multidisciplinary case review meetings; entering client data into CAC tracking system; providing judicial support to family and children. This position requires a close working relationship with CAC Executive Director and other CAC staff.

Examples of Job Duties:

• Responsible for responding to after-hours crisis calls from law enforcement and medical partners
• Accompanies children and families to medical evidence collection exams and SANE program exams as needed
• Establishes rapport with and provides support for the child victim and the non-offending family members when they access the CAC for help
• Responsible for promoting a child focused, supportive environment at the Child Advocacy Center by providing crisis support, system information, and community resources for children and their families who participate in an investigation of child sexual abuse throughout the life of the case.
• Work as a member of the MDT before, during, and after the forensic interview in order to participate in information sharing, inform and support family about the coordinated, multidisciplinary response, and assess needs of child and non-offending caregiver.
• Provide crisis support to children and their families who are receiving services from the CAC, including but not limited to: greeting families, explaining the role of the Center in the process of the investigation, supporting non-offending parent/caretaker when the child is interviewed, and may support the child and other accompanying family members when the parent is in conference with the MDT.
• Share with parent and or caregiver information on the Victim's Rights Act and assist families in completing applications to the Crime Victims Compensation Program when applicable.
• Assess families for needs and make referrals for families to appropriate human service organizations located in families' communities and for mental health counseling.
• Data entry and tracking on cases, maintaining appropriate documentation of services provided.
• Provide updates to the family on case status, continuances, dispositions, sentencing, inmate status notification (including offender release from custody),
• Coordinates investigations and support services by multi-disciplinary team members in a professional and ethical manner and completes necessary forms during the intake and initial investigation process
• Ensures information is entered into the computer tracking system and is updated weekly to keep it current
• Consults with the investigative team after the intake and during the interview process, as needed
• Follows up with families after the initial forensic interview and periodically to access the families' status
• Provides support to victim and family and works with the multidisciplinary team to track cases from the initial forensic interview until the case is closed at the multidisciplinary team meeting
• Provides support when criminal charges are filed, especially during the judicial process
• Keeps brochures and information current and available in family waiting areas
• Provides support and assistance to child victims and their supportive family members from the initial forensic interview until the case is closed by the multidisciplinary team
• Provides Kid's Court and support for victims, in coordination with local District Attorney's office and judicial system
• Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings by providing feedback to DHR, LE, and the DA's office concerning clients in accordance with confidentiality procedures
• Attends staff and clinical team meetings to plan and review programs and client status
• Maintains daily log of work activities and submits work calendar monthly to the assigned staff member by the designated due date
• Attends workshops and participates in educational experiences to keep abreast of current issues in regard to child abuse as required
• Assists with outreach events, as assigned
• Promptly reports any urgent issue regarding a case, including any new allegations of child sexual abuse to the Executive Director

Qualifications:

• Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Human Services field with commensurate experience with child sexual abuse cases or in case management. Knowledge of and sensitivity to family systems and child victimization. Knowledge of the overall child protection and legal system. Ability to communicate/and or interact effectively with children, adolescents, and adults that receive services through the CAC. Academic training or practical experience in and knowledge of developmental stages of children and the dynamics and effects of child abuse. Excellent written and verbal communication, computer and mediation skills.

Ability to work well with a variety of disciplines. Bilingual English and Spanish preferred (speak, read and write), but not required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Work Location: In person