Family Advocate (Child Advocacy Center)

Reports to: Child Advocacy Center Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt (35hours/week)

NATURE OF WORK
Under supervision of the Child Advocacy Center Coordinator, the Family Advocate will provide advocacy services and interventions for child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. The Family 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• 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.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• 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.
• Must submit to, and pass, a child abuse registry check.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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.

DISTIGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Fluent in English, Spanish a plus. Mandated Reporter certification.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

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

WHAT WE OFFER

• Medical, & Dental
• Generous Paid Time Off, over 6 weeks paid combined with 14 Holidays including your birthday
• A culture that supports healthy work/life balance
• A flexible schedule
• A friendly and collaborative workplace
• 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: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $21