Family Advocate

Family Advocate– Child Advocacy Center Program
Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse – Dutchess County, NY

About Us
The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) is dedicated to protecting children, supporting families, and preventing abuse in our community. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, we empower children with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.

Position Summary
We are seeking a passionate and engaging Family Advocate to provide advocacy services and interventions for child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. Under the supervision of the Child Advocacy Center Coordinator, the advocate will participate as a member of our Multi-Disciplinary Team, which is involved in investigations of abuse and/or coordination and provision of services for victims and non-offending family members.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support for the victim and non-offending family members throughout the investigation and prosecution, as well as engage and establish rapport with child victims and non-offending family members at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) during forensic interviews.
• Provide assessment of client needs and develop a plan to meet the needs for clients and non offending family members referred to the CAC, in conjunction with other service providers. Help connect the client to needed services, such as mental health, housing, financial aid, etc.
• Make appropriate referrals based on these needs and keep up to date on local services in the area that could be beneficial to clients
• Provide advocacy services according to the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards.
• Provide crisis intervention for victims and non-offending family members referred to the CAC, participating in safety planning with families on an as-needed basis.
• Support client through court advocacy, court preparation, and support for victims and non offending family members, in coordination with State’s Attorney.
• Document all referrals and/or services provided to the clients according to agency requirements and guidelines.
• Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
• Communicate effectively with child victims, witnesses and others regardless of age, sex, social, economic, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, maintaining a strict standard of confidentiality.
• Follow up with clients throughout the investigation to ensure that clients are receiving needed services and support
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or related field, plus 2 years of experience in the field of child services, including abuse and/or victim advocacy preferred.
• Special Requirement: This position requires an automobile, a valid NY State driver’s license and proof of valid insurance
• Additional Job Specific Training Will Be Required: Attendance at the National Children’s Alliance and NYS Office of Children & Family Services trainings which may include out-of-state travel.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Child abuse dynamics, child protective and law enforcement investigations
• Legal reporting mandates for professionals
• Community resources and public health programs for appropriate referrals
• Child development
• Child abuse, neglect, maltreatment
• Case note writing and record keeping
• Confidentiality laws and regulations

Skills in:

• Exceptional communication skills; including both oral and written
• Excellent team player; able to build relationships and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of agency stakeholders.
• Ability to engage and build rapport with all children and family members.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and organize assignments in a fast-paced work environment.
• Data Entry and Data Management Systems

Working Environment
Work is performed in an office environment and at various locations throughout Dutchess County; light physical demands; frequent use of a personal computer; driving to locations to support clients (could include home visits, court accompaniment, hospital visits), staff trainings, etc.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Paid training and professional development
• Mileage reimbursement for travel
• Supportive and mission-driven team environment
• Medical & Dental
• Generous paid time off, over 6 weeks paid combined with 14 Holidays including your birthday
• An opportunity to advocate for and make a difference in the lives of Hudson Valley's most vulnerable children and families

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.73 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25