Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Job Summary:

The mission of Children's Advocacy Network is to help heal and champion abused and neglected children in Central Louisiana.

The Family Advocate is a member of the multidisciplinary team, along with Child Protective Services, law enforcement, medical specialists, prosecution, forensic interviewers, and mental health specialists. The Family Advocate must possess the skills and demeanor to interface with child victims and their parents and the other professionals who form the multidisciplinary team around any given case. The primary responsibilities include: provide support, accompaniment, and advocacy for abused children and non-offending parents/caretakers. Offer ongoing case management during investigations and collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members as necessary. Provide information and referrals to meet the needs of victims and their families throughout the investigation and intervention process. Arrange referrals for counseling services for child victims and their family members. Accompany children and parents to child sexual abuse medical exams. Educate and prepare victims and witnesses for Family Court and criminal court appearances, including age-appropriate preparation for children. Develop and maintain victim's rights materials and provide them as needed. Maintain appropriate documentation of services provided and data collection and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required. Attend relevant training to improve and uphold skills. Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors.

This position is based out of our Children's Advocacy Center program in Alexandria, LA. Some travel may be required for direct advocacy, meetings, or trainings.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum of bachelor level social services background
• Field experience working with multiple systems and professions
• Ability to interact positively with the public, volunteers, board members, court and state personnel
• Ability to maintain files, record system, financial records
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass extensive background check

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support, accompaniment, and advocacy with the abused child and the non-offending parents / caretakers
• Provide on-going case management during investigations
• Interface with other multidisciplinary team members as needed
• Information and referral to meet victim / family needs throughout the course of the investigation and intervention
• Arrange referrals for counseling services for child victims and family members
• Accompany children and parent(s) to child sexual abuse medical exams
• Assist family in filing for victim compensation
• Victim / witness education and preparation for Family Court and criminal court (including age- appropriate preparation of children for court appearances)
• Develop / maintain victim’s rights materials; provide as needed
• Maintain appropriate documentation of services provided, data collection, monthly, quarterly, annual reporting as required
• Attend appropriate training to enhance and/or maintain skills
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisors

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: up to $350/month reimbursement
• Supplemental insurance by payroll deduction
• Retirement option through SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• Sick leave
• Leave of absence, funeral leave, and parental/family and medical leave

If you are dedicated to empowering the futures of children, families, and communities and believe in changing despair into hope, we want you to become part of our mission. The Children’s Advocacy Network wants you to join our unique, service oriented company culture that provides the opportunity for professional growth, leadership opportunities, and teamwork.

Children's Advocacy Network is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse applicant pool.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $350