Child Advocate

Job Title: Children’s Advocate

General Summary of Duties: The Children’s Advocate is responsible for developing and implementing trauma-informed children’s programming, services, and advocacy for children at SAFE Shelter. The Children’s Advocate assists children of the shelter residents adjust to shelter life, assists them in acquiring needed services, and helps them develop self-reliance and resiliency skills.

Supervision: Reports to Director of Domestic Violence Services

Status: Full Time Exempt

Essential Functions:

• Provides advocacy, support, and coordination of services to children, youth and families who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence, based in developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practice;
• Conducts separate shelter intake with the children and assesses their physical and emotional well-being;
• Provide structured age-appropriate activities for children on a regular weekly basis;
• Assists in school enrollment and coordinates with schools to assure successful educational opportunities while residing in the shelter;
• Assists mothers in obtaining necessary documents for children;
• Conducts monthly contact with parents and school visits for children in the Follow-Up/After Care Program;
• Conducts a children’s support group for In-Shelter and Follow-Up/After Care Program;
• Supervises, trains and coordinates volunteers/interns working with children in the shelter;
• Conducts a variety of programs for children, including but not limited to anger management, self-esteem, hygiene, and age appropriate information about domestic violence;
• Conducts separate sessions with parents/guardians to address concerns with the child;
• Maintains play areas and inventories of supplies for children’s’ groups and activities;
• Coordinates holiday and special events for the children
• Completes child abuse reports, when necessary, in a timely manner according to mandatory reporting laws;
• Maintains complete client files, including standard forms and progress notes; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

The Child Advocate must have:

• Working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and community resources;
• Understands trauma informed care and how to use it in crisis situations while providing emotional support;
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse staff, clients and volunteers;
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably as a team member and contribute positively to workplace;
• Demonstrated problem-solving approach to concerns and challenges
• Ability to organize time and workload.
• Demonstrate empathy and empowerment with all individuals being served;
• Demonstrated flexibility, agility, adaptability and ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment;
• Maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism in the role;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;

Experience Minimum Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree, with concentration in childhood education, social work, psychology or human services.
• Minimum one-year experience in a related field.
• Basic computer skills required for data entry.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
• Ability to function harmoniously in a small but busy workplace as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to accommodate limited travel and work evenings and on-call as necessary, including training as required for national standards.
• Must be able to climb one flight of stairs without difficulty.
• Must be available to work afterhours and weekends when needed.
• Demonstration of cultural humility toward children with mental/developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
• Satisfactory criminal background investigation as a condition of employment.

SAFE Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Savannah, GA 31419 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $39,000 - $42,000