The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Residential Services, the Child Advocate has primary responsibility in providing supportive services, case management, child development activities, assessments and on-site child care for children residing in the Safe Home, Transitional Housing Program and Community Services Programs.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct activities necessary to assess and identify the needs of each child residing in the Safe Home, Transitional Housing Program, and supported by the Community Services Programs;
• Developing individual care plans, assisting children in coping with transition, stress, and adjusting to changes in environment;
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to parenting clients;
• Assist in identifying immediate needs related to development, caring for children, and setting short and long term goals;
• Coordinate children’s services which include, but are not limited to, enrollment in local school system, art expressive therapy groups, homework sessions, play groups, field trips, after school programming, vacation activities, and recreational activities;
• Act as a liaison between parents, children, and professionals in order to provide a comprehensive array of services that will continue beyond program enrollment;
• Facilitate weekly support groups with a focus on helping parents learn about the effects of stress and trauma, building resources and skills around parenting, and learning ways to engage in healing activities with their children;
• Provide weekly child sessions in conjunction with weekly support groups for parents;
• Responsible for outreach and research on evidence based curriculums, activities, and best practices in serving children with trauma;
• Maintain appropriate records and statistics;
• Participate in shelter coverage and daily activities designed to promote safety and well-being of residents; and
• Additional duties necessary for the efficient operation of the agency may be assigned.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of child development, the effects of trauma, basic parenting, and behavior management skills;
• Ability to act as a role model for families, demonstrating social skills and communication skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Commitment and sensitivity to issues related to the needs of parents and children, as survivors of domestic violence;
• Ability to appropriately and effectively lead in a crisis or stressful situations; and
• Physical ability to lift items, move in a manner conducive to play and recreational activities.

Working Conditions:

• Work environment is often noisy, with more than average exposure to communicable disease (colds, flu, COVID-19 etc.); and
• Work involves occasional in state travel to off-site locations.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required;
• A level of knowledge equivalent to that which would be acquired by a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree; and
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed; the Principal Duties and Responsibilities are a representative, but not exhaustive list of duties performed.

The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not discriminate against a volunteer, an employee, or applicant for employment of conditions or opportunities for employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orient This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed; the Principal Duties and Responsibilities are a representative, but not exhaustive, list of duties performed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person