Family Advocate

Responsibility Summary: Provide victim advocacy and support, crisis assessment and intervention, education and guidance surrounding the investigative process to abused children, children who have witnessed severe violence and their families in the aftermath of their crisis and trauma.
 
Primary Responsibilities:

• Completion of NCA initial training requirements of 24 hours in victim support and advocacy services with a minimum of eight ongoing contact hours in the field of victim advocacy.
• Provide education in dynamics of abuse.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention including ongoing emotional support.
• Practice trauma-informed services.
• Provide risk assessment and safety planning.
• Evaluation and assessment of individual needs, resources and cultural considerations needed for child and caregivers.
• Referrals and linkage to trauma focused mental health and specialized medical services.
• Provide referrals to and assistance in securing community resources.
• Assistance in obtaining orders of protection and emergency shelter.
• Education regarding the child protection system.
• Information about and assistance in applying for Crime Victims Compensation.
• Education regarding the criminal justice system.
• Ongoing support throughout the investigation process.
• Updates to the family on the status of the investigation.
• Coordination and linkage of court related services with Victim Advocates from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Juvenile Court.
• Coordinate, participate in and monitor case progress by attending case review and investigative collaborative meetings.
• Coordinate services and follow-up with law enforcement, medical professionals, etc. to ensure services are obtained.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure juvenile victims receive timely and thorough services;
• Maintain records.
• Compile appropriate statistical data and case tracking information.
• Enter data into the case tracking system/database.
• Ensure adherence to position related grant goals and objectives and maintain statistical records to track outcomes and ensure goals are met.
• Act as liaison to the MDT by informing the MDT of significant issues and changes related to the case and the child’s well-being within the confidentiality standards established by the Child Protection Center.
• Foster professional and positive relationships with all agencies involved with the Child Protection Center.
• Maintain and update referral information and agency handouts.
• Assist in facilitating the intake process when requested.
• Participate in supervision, professional development and on-going training activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a directly related field, Master’s Degree preferred. Minimum of two years direct service experience working with abused children and families. Must possess a strong sense of compassion and empathy. Must have knowledge of the criminal justice and child welfare systems. Skilled in working with families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Possess the ability to work well with multiple disciplines. Skilled in communicating well orally and in written form. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Skilled in maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. Possess strong organizational skills and ability to manage resource materials.

Email your resume and cover letter to zrodriguez@cpckc.org