Child and Family Advocate Job Description

Position Summary:

Ø The child and family advocate will work within a multidisciplinary team to create and support high standards for child abuse investigations and to advocate for the needs and well-being of child abuse victims and their families. The child and family advocate is responsible for educating and informing families of resources available to assist them in recovery.

Primary Responsibilities:

Ø Greet child and family upon arrival at the CAC and help prepare them for the forensic interview and introduces them to the MDT team.

Ø Observes in all forensic interviews for the CAC.

Ø Collect information from the non-offending caregiver and others as needed and assist families with completing required forms.

Ø Answer questions from a non-offending caregiver and provide support and guidance during the investigation.

Ø Serve as families’ liaison and representative to the multidisciplinary team.

Explains the process and what to expect with regards to the Forensic Interview.

Ø Assesses family for needs and helps with any referrals needed.

Ø Follows up with family to assess that needs are being met.

Ø Attends regular case review meetings.

Ø Handles case tracking for child abuse cases.

Ø Handles all Department of Children and Families referrals that will not require a forensic interview.

Ø If at any point a case that the Child and Family Advocate is handling becomes a criminal case the case will be transferred to the Victim Witness Advocate assigned to that designated area. These cases will be transferred and assigned by the head of the Child Abuse Unit in consultation with the head of the Victim Witness Unit.

Ø Other duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in human services, criminal justice or related field and/or Associate’s degree with previous experience in working with victims of violent crime;

• Strong working knowledge of criminal court system;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and maturity in handling sensitive matters;
• Self-motivated individual who works well both independently and as part of a team;
• Always displays professional appearance;
• Foster a cooperative working relationship with all District Attorney's staff, Trial court staff, Police officers and community agencies to enhance the delivery of services to crime victims;
• Sensitivity to and ability to respond appropriately to cultural differences of the public and staff;
• A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems, including the ability to set appropriate boundaries; and
• Interest in crime victim/witness rights and services.