Family Advocate/Education Specialist

Job Overview
The Wayne County Child Advocacy Center (WCCAC) Family Advocate/Education Specialist will be responsible for providing initial as well as ongoing support and assistance to child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. This individual will be instrumental in implementing an outreach and education program to increase awareness of child sexual and physical abuse and prevention in our community. Work performed under direct supervision of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Director, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in routine matters. Supervision is not a requirement of this position. Performs related work as required.

Duties

• Advocate for victims, ensuring their needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice systems,
• Assess victim needs and make appropriate referrals to service provider agencies,
• Aid victims in completing compensation claims and OVS affidavits,
• Provide information on shelters, restraining orders, availability of counseling and explanation of court process,
• Provide accompaniment to forensic medical evaluations, court, police and DA’s Office,
• Provides follow-up on outreach through phone contact to all victims and non-offending family members seen at the WCCAC,
• Enter service data into Collaborate (the WCCAC system of record) in a timely manner,
• Maintain appropriate case documentation and statistics,
• Participate in monthly Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting and case reviews,
• Conduct a variety of professional and community education opportunities in conjunction with the Assistant Director or independently,
• Deliver educational programming to schools to educate students, staff, parents on child abuse prevention and other identified topics,
• Coordinate community events, attend, and educate the public regarding the WCCAC,
• Market training opportunities and prevention materials to organizations
• Attend all necessary regulatory conferences and trainings to stay current on best practices and relevant issues,
• Establish and maintain strong linkages with appropriate networking affiliations,
• Participate in regular professional development training related to child abuse prevention and education.

Skills

Good knowledge of Family and Criminal Court procedures; good knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of victims; good knowledge of policies and procedures of the Child Advocacy Center; good knowledge of policies and procedures of Child Protective Services; good knowledge of the dynamics associated with child abuse and domestic violence; good knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals; skill in public speaking; ability to deal with people in sensitive and traumatic situations; ability to facilitate support group sessions; ability to establish effective working relationships with clients and professionals; ability to work independently; ability to speak English fluently; tact; emotional maturity; good judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a New York State registered four year college or university, and two (2) years of experience in a public or private social agency in a human-service related field*.

Human-service related field examples* - caseworker, social Worker, registered professional nursing, substance abuse, social welfare, probation, etc.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintenance of such license throughout the tenure of employment in the position.

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,580.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,580