Career Opportunities

Position Title: Family Advocate (Child Advocacy Center)

Reports to: Child Advocacy Center Coordinator

FLSA: Non-Exempt (35hours/week)

Nature of Work

Under supervision of the Child Advocacy Center Coordinator, the Family Advocate will provide advocacy services and interventions for child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. The Family Advocate will participate as a member of our Multi-Disciplinary Team, which is involved in investigations of abuse and/or coordination and provision of services for victims and non-offending family members.

Essential Functions

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Provide support for the victim and non-offending family members throughout the investigation and prosecution, as well as engage and establish rapport with child victims and non-offending family members at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) during forensic interviews.
Provide assessment of client needs and develop a plan to meet the needs for clients and non-offending family members referred to the CAC, in conjunction with other service providers. Help connect the client to needed services, such as mental health, housing, financial aid, etc.
Make appropriate referrals based on these needs and keep up to date on local services in the area that could be beneficial to clients
Provide advocacy services according to the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards.
Provide crisis intervention for victims and non-offending family members referred to the CAC, participating in safety planning with families on an as-needed basis.
Support client through court advocacy, court preparation, and support for victims and non-offending family members, in coordination with State’s Attorney.
Document all referrals and/or services provided to the clients according to agency requirements and guidelines.
Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
Communicate effectively with child victims, witnesses and others regardless of age, sex, social, economic, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, maintaining a strict standard of confidentiality.
Follow up with clients throughout the investigation to ensure that clients are receiving needed services and support
Perform other duties as requested.

Employment Standards

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or related field, plus 2 years of experience in the field of child services, including abuse and/or victim advocacy preferred.
Special Requirement: This position requires an automobile, a valid NY State driver’s license and proof of valid insurance
Additional Job Specific Training Will Be Required: Attendance at the National Children’s Alliance and NYS Office of Children & Family Services trainings which may include out-of-state travel.
Must submit to, and pass, a child abuse registry check.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an office environment and at various locations throughout Dutchess County; light physical demands; frequent use of a personal computer; driving to locations to support clients (could include home visits, court accompaniment, hospital visits), staff trainings, etc.

DISTIGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Fluent in English, Spanish a plus. Mandated Reporter certification..

Knowledge and Skills Required

Knowledge of:

Child abuse dynamics, child protective and law enforcement investigations.
Legal reporting mandates for professionals.
Community resources and public health programs for appropriate referrals
Child Development
Child Abuse, Neglect, Maltreatment
Case note writing and record keeping
Confidentiality laws and regulations

Skills In:

Exceptional communication skills; including both oral and written.
Excellent team player; able to build relationships and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of agency stakeholders.
Ability to engage and build rapport with all children and family members.
Ability to effectively prioritize and organize assignments in a fast-paced work environment.
Data Entry and Data Management Systems

WHAT WE OFFER:

Medical, & Dental
Generous Paid Time Off, over 6 weeks paid combined with 14 Holidays including your birthday
A culture that supports healthy work/life balance
A flexible schedule
A friendly and collaborative workplace
An opportunity to advocate for and make a difference in the lives of Hudson Valley’s most vulnerable children and families

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person