Domestic Violence Children's Counselor/Advocate

Summary

Responsible for the facilitation of a full program of recreational, social, and education activities for children, including childcare, and coordinates services with shelter program staff and other agencies.

Essential Functions

• Maintains all records and processes all required documentation and statistical information on a timely basis as requested by the Domestic Violence/Shelter Program Coordinator.
• Assesses each child's physical, emotional, and mental functioning.
• Provides case planning as needed to children and non-offending parent/caretaker and makes appropriate referrals.
• Teaches parents the parenting techniques suggested by the Survivor Empowerment Center.
• Develops and implements a full program of therapeutic, recreational, social, and educational activities for the children.
• Facilitates, with assistance from other Survivor Empowerment Center staff, holiday celebrations involving the community.
• Provides professional training and public education on the effects of domestic violence on children as requested.
• Provides institutional advocacy on behalf of parents and child survivors of domestic violence.
• Responsible for training all new volunteers about the effects of domestic violence on children and the Children's Program.
• Maintains and provides supplies/materials for the children's program.
• Supervises volunteers, and interns/practicum students working with the Children's Program.
• Required to carry a pager one week per month, after hours, Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
• May act as a liaison with schools.
• Attends meetings as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• A minimum of two (2) years of college preferably in Children and Family Services, Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Guidance, or a field where the focus is children or equivalent experience
• Experience in a volunteer organization, particularly working with children, is preferred
• Knowledge of sexual assault/domestic violence issues and previous training on those issues preferred
• Ability to communicate orally in conversation both in person and by telephone
• Ability to work well with people from a variety of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, and age groups, and with individuals who are differently-abled
• Ability to maintain records and process forms accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to deal with stress-related situations
• Ability to work in a team setting and embrace the concept of teamwork
• A demonstrated commitment to women and non-violence through previous volunteer work or employment preferred
• Willingness to complete the required 64-hours of training for the position within 6-months of employment
• Must be willing to carry a pager one week per month, after hours, Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
• Must have current driver's license, car with current automobile insurance, and a willingness to travel (10%)