What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Advocacy Center Family Advocate position at Crime Victims Assistance Center Inc?
Family Advocate is responsible to provide neutral support and advocacy to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnesses to violence; and their non-offending family members involved. Duties included but not limited to:
- Support, accompany, and advocate for the abused child and the non-offending caretakers while at the Child Advocacy Center, at Family Court, and throughout the criminal justice proceedings.
- Educate non-offending caregiver(s) about sexual abuse or serious physical abuse and the various systems that may become involved with their family.
- Answer any questions related to the investigative process and provide feedback to the assigned Child Protective Service worker and/or law enforcement office.
- Maintain contact with the victim and family throughout the investigation and prosecution.
- Assist the family in accessing services recommended by the team.
- Assist low-income families in filing for victim compensation.
- Arrange appointments for child sexual abuse medical exams.
- Enter, maintain, and update case records/case review and other related information in agency database.
- Prepares the case tracking and case review schedule.
- Attend case review and follow through with any recommendations.
- Provide documentation of services provided and report data collection as required.
- Remain current with professional literature on child abuse issues and attend periodic skill enhancement training.
- Assist with training sessions and community education regarding child abuse.
- Frequent interaction and ongoing communication with multidisciplinary team members as needed.
- Develop and maintain victims rights materials to be provided as needed.
A Bachelors Degree in a human service field is preferred.
Previous experience in law enforcement, social work, mental health, healthcare, and/or experience as a trainer/educator is preferred.
Must have two years experience in direct human service.
Must maintain strict standards of confidentiality.
Must agree to complete 40 hours NY State Dept. of Health training and additional ten hours of ongoing, professional education each subsequent calendar year.