Child Advocate

This is an in-person position, Tuesday - Saturday 1pm - 9pm.

TITLE:      Child Advocate

REPORTS TO:      Children’s Program Coordinator 

CLASSIFICATION:    Full Time Non-Exempt     

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, advocacy/counseling, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order assistance and legal advocacy, community education, and systems change.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Child Advocate is responsible for providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, childcare, and activities to children and families in shelter. The Child Advocate must have experience in providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; and the impact of the violence on children, and must have knowledge and understanding of women and children in shelter and the impact of being in shelter on their lives.  Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. Must successfully complete Turning Point’s CORE training 

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervision responsibilities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and advocacy-based interventions with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking that are rooted in anti-oppression values and the empowerment model. Specific knowledge in housing, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, group facilitation, and safety planning are desired as are demonstrated success building teams, collaborating with peers, and solving problems. Candidates must also have knowledge of advocacy with survivors in various systems including healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services. Additionally, candidate should have knowledge about victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and loved ones. The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills. As our free, confidential services are inclusive and accessible to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of individuals who identify as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with all survivors and understand the unique barriers that survivors with intersecting oppressed identities will encounter.  

EDUCATION: 

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent is preferred or 3 years’ experience in related field

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy. 
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
• Uphold Children’s Program’s mission statement, philosophy and ideals while dealing with clients to provide a safe, comfortable, caring environment that focuses on the needs, and safety of the child
• Help child complete schoolwork and education planning while in shelter
• Provide childcare and recreation activities while parents attend in-shelter groups
• Create & provide activities to strengthen life skills, encourage expression and social interaction for children and between family members
• Educate and model alternatives to violence as a means of solving problems for mother and child(ren)
• Provide families with information on domestic and sexual violence and help them develop a safety plan
• Follow Turning Point’s policy on reporting suspected/witnessed abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services
• Assist in updating and maintaining an accurate children’s resources/referrals manual
• Supervise children on and provide transportation for fieldtrips
• Act as an advocate to parent and staff on behalf of the child
• Gather materials, coordinate activities/childcare and clean up afterward during shifts and special events.  
• Assist with facilitation of child & family groups and workshops
• Complete necessary documentation for reporting and evaluation purposes
• Role model for children and mother’s appropriate interaction including, praise, choices and consequences, confrontation and problem solving
• Conduct relationships with staff to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and interdepartmental program development and planning
• Notify the Children’s Program Coordinator, Director of Shelter, Senior Director of Residential Services or Chief Executive Officer of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and clients.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Children’s Program Coordinator or Director of Shelter.

Working Conditions:

• Must pass central registry and criminal background check as a condition of employment.  
• Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record. 
• Must have the ability to work with diverse populations. 
• Must be able to work independently
• Ability to lift 20 lbs
• Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function and adapt to crisis needs at shelter
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to stand for long periods of time                                                                                                            

 Turning Point, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, height, weight or Veteran status.