Children's Advocate

Job Description Job Description Description: JOB SUMMARY Promote the emotional and physical well-being of children and youth who experience domestic violence and dating violence. Advocate for, and provide direct services to, children and teens and coordinate agency services for children/teens. Services should recognize and reinforce the strengths of children and youth and their families and respect the victim’s right to self-determination. Break the isolation of children and youth who experience violence in the home. May oversee/coordinate the work of volunteer and/or paid support group facilitators or volunteers working with children. Reports to Domestic Abuse Program Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field or equivalent experience. Minimum of two years’ experience working with children, youth or families Ability to work independently, set priorities and be flexible Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing Able to be supportive and non-judgmental Effective at public speaking Computer skills required include basic knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, and WINDOWS Willingness to work with people, mainly women and children, whose lives are affected by violence and individuals from various economic, social and ethnic backgrounds in a non-judgmental way

HOURS This position may be part- or full-time and is non-exempt. The ability to work flexible hours is necessary. Support groups for children, speaking engagements, fundraising activities and advocacy time for school aged children will require working some nights and occasionally weekends. This position may share in the on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

JOB DUTIES 1. Provide crisis intervention, individual advocacy, supportive counseling, case management and follow-up for children and their non-abusive family members or guardian to promote their emotional and physical health and strengthen their self-esteem, recognizing that each child is unique and deserves services adapted to meet their individual needs. a. Orient children and youth to shelter and services and identify health, educational, developmental, social and emotional needs. b. Meet individually with children and youth as developmentally appropriate. Meet with adult victims to discuss the needs of their children. Listen to and respect children and youth and foster their personal growth. c. Facilitate parent and child joint meetings. d. Encourage family interaction. e. Assist families in using recreational resources in the agency and community. f. Provide appropriate parenting information and assist the non- abusive family member or guardian in utilizing this information in their interaction with children. 2. Teach children age-appropriate ways to stay safe and how to relate to their peers in non-violent ways. Teach children and youth how to protect themselves by developing individual and family safety plans and support systems. 3. Advocate for children and parents by referring and coordinating services with other agencies. 4. Provide community education and professional training on issues pertinent to domestic violence, dating violence, and the effects of witnessing domestic violence on children to promote primary prevention and early detection. Be prepared to offer options to children and youth who seek help after hearing a presentation. Assist with community educational events. 5. Represent and advocate for children within the agency by ensuring a safe and happy living space for children. Consult/provide feedback to staff regarding specific mothers and children. 6. Assist in covering the hotline and the provision of crisis intervention in-person and over the phone for victims of domestic abuse/sexual assault. 7. Develop and provide an annual in-service training to staff, volunteers and Board on children’s issues.

8. May facilitate age-appropriate support group(s) for children and teens that address common problems affecting children and youth exposed to domestic violence and teach behaviors that promote safety. Develop and maintain materials and curriculum for children, teen and parenting groups. 9. Maintain Agency client files consistent with Agency policy and procedures. a. Complete necessary paperwork and forms in a timely manner. b. Document services by entering statistical information and referrals in

computer database. c. Provide Agency statistics and information on children for grants and reports. 10. Arrange for transportation, as necessary, for children and their families, particularly transportation to and from school. 11. Represent the agency in the community and at the state level at meetings or on committees, as directed by the Executive Director or Domestic Abuse Program Coordinator. 12. Assist with the coordination with donations and fundraising activities for children’s programming. 13. Assist with grant-writing efforts to support the Children’s Program. 14. Assist with the supervision of volunteers assisting with children. 15. Assist in the smooth operations of the shelter and agency. Assist in accepting, receipting and processing donations. Accompany and monitor service providers and visitors while in the building. Assist residents and staff in maintaining a clean facility. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of duties and levels of work difficulty that will be required and should not be construed as specifying what all the duties and responsibilities of a particular position shall be. Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field or equivalent work experience. Minimum of two years’ experience working with children, youth or families Ability to work independently, set priorities and be flexible Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing Able to be supportive and non-judgmental Effective at public speaking Computer skills required include basic knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, and WINDOWS Willingness to work with people, mainly women and children, whose lives are affected by violence and individuals from various economic, social and ethnic backgrounds in a non-judgmental way