Family Advocate

ED & NANCY HANENBURG CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

FAMILY ADVOCATE

For over 25 years, the Children’s Advocacy Center has been the community expert in child sexual abuse prevention and intervention in Ottawa County. Our mission is to provide child centered prevention, advocacy, and team intervention in investigation, assessment, and treatment of child sexual abuse inclusive of all children and families. Our vision is a safe, inclusive community free of abuse. Our core values are compassion, collaboration, empathy, excellence, integrity, child centered, and inclusiveness.

Job Title: Family Advocate

Job Summary: This position advocates for the needs and well-being of suspected child victims, non-offending caregivers, and families. Provides crisis intervention, court advocacy, and resource referral. Provides support with overall program management.

Competencies: Customer focus, Crisis intervention, Trauma-informed, Knowledge of child development, Ethical and professional conduct, Conflict management, Critical thinking, and Communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other related field, MSW preferred.

2. Reliable transportation in order to travel for direct service provision.

3. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and human relations skills including effective intercultural communication, and cultural humility. Bi-lingual applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

4. Commitment to program innovation and collaboration.

5. Flexibility in scheduled work hours.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

1. 2 years of experience in crisis intervention, sexual abuse dynamics, child development, and/or knowledge of the court systems.

2. Understanding of trauma and its impact on survivors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Family Advocacy and Crisis Intervention Services

1) Ensure that suspected child victims, non-offending caregivers and families feel supported and that their voice is heard throughout the intervention process.

2) Meet with caregivers face-to-face during forensic interview to provide immediate crisis intervention, explain pertinent information about CAC supportive services, let caregivers know what to expect in the days and weeks to come, and to begin building a relationship with the family.

3) Assist families in navigating the criminal and family court systems and provide support.

a) Prepare child victims and caregivers by responding to questions and concerns related to their role in the court process and what to expect.

b) Accompany child victims and caregivers to court hearings.

c) Coordinate and aid in preparation and delivery of Victim Impact Statements.

d) Attend sentencing hearings to provide support and debriefing.

4) Provide emotional and concrete support through use of Cora’s Care Closet, referrals to local agencies, and use of Care Portal.

5) Manage and coordinate follow-up contact with all caregivers following their child’s forensic interview to answer questions, provide support and information, follow up on MDT recommendations for additional services, and ensure access to CAC services and/or outside referrals.

6) Provide information and referral for needed services such as long-term counseling outside the CAC, support groups, medical care, emergency financial assistance, and other community resources to resolve issues related to victimization.

7) Attend MDT prepared to discuss case updates and speak to the challenges the family and/or the child victim is having and what you are doing to connect them to supportive services (as the release of information allows).

8) Coordinate translation services when needed for forensic interviews, medical exams, and court related activities.

Program Management

1) Help manage Family Advocate staffing during forensic interviews by looking ahead for coverage issues that are caused by subpoena, vacation, etc. and staff accordingly.

2) Ensure the front desk has appropriate support and staffing during regular business hours. Supervise coverage of the front desk being aware of vacations, evening hours, and outside groups who may be volunteering/using our space.

3) Supervise the coordination of forensic medical examinations:

a) Ensure Family Advocate and Intake Coordinator are following protocols for scheduling, confirming, and obtaining all necessary paperwork.

b) Provide back-up and assist with triaging issues as needed. Act as a liaison between the Center for Child Protection team and the CAC.

4) Build relationships with community partners to enhance coordination of services post-abuse disclosure. Review referral and resource materials to ensure accuracy and relevancy.

Other Duties

1) Participate in appropriate continuing education activities and apply pertinent new knowledge to performance. Complete required VOCA training and maintain a training log.

2) Foster a sense of belonging and ensure an environment where employees and clients feel respected and valued for their unique traits and contributions.

3) Maintain a caseload of counseling clients if licensed and there is demand.

4) Attend staff meetings and bi-weekly MDT meetings.

5) Represent at CAC events and in the community as requested.

6) Other duties as requested by the Executive Director or Program Director.

Note: Job descriptions are not comprehensive and subject to change based on the needs of the

organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $47,000 - $50,000