Child Advocacy Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Child Advocacy Specialist

The role of the Child Advocacy Specialist is to provide ongoing crisis support to children and their non-offending caregivers when there has been a disclosure or allegation of child abuse. The child advocate will, monitor case progress, maintain client files and documentation accordingly, as well as work in collaboration with partner agencies to reduce trauma to children and their families. This is an off-site, co-located position at the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes. Working with populations diverse by age, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. Applicants who are members of a minority group are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Maintain a caseload of 20 clients at any given point, while completing case notes and documentation promptly.

· Provide on-site crisis intervention during appointments to support and provide advocacy to child victims and their non-offending caregivers in Ontario, Seneca, and Yates Counties.

· Assess needs, provide referrals, and facilitate connections with other community support services.

· Communicate effectively with victims, caregivers, and Multidisciplinary Team members, recognizing signs, issues, and situations that require notification and communication to others, this includes talking on the phone, making phone calls, and leaving voicemails.

· Make mandated child abuse reports to local law enforcement and/or State Central Registry as appropriate.

· Accompany youth victims to medical SANE exams at area hospital emergency departments, and at the REACH Clinic in Rochester.

· Provide information on eligibility with the Office of Victim Services and complete applications as appropriate.

· Maintain professional relationships with the Multidisciplinary Team, through case discussion, Forensic Interviews, and Child Abuse Review Team meetings in all three counties.

· Assist with orders of protection, custody petitions, and family court advocacy in support of the child or non-offending caregiver on behalf of the child.

· Participate in monthly continued education through webinars, training, and reading materials to stay up to date on laws, programming, and resources.

· Must be available to cover our 24-Hour Youth Hotline for approximately 28 days a year, this includes evening, overnight, and weekend hours. This may include accompaniment to hospital emergency rooms for crisis medical needs, after-hours support at the Child Advocacy Center for interviews, and possible travel to the REACH Clinic in Rochester for medical exams.

· Engage in agency awareness events for CAC and SHFL. As well as other duties assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Travel to off-site locations is required
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously
• Understanding of the family court process is preferred but not required.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability under duress while working with those in crisis.
• Comfort dealing with and talking about sensitive issues. Must exhibit cultural competence.
• Ability to engage and build rapport with children and family members.
• Must have reliable transportation, and be able to travel from different locations in the tri-county area. A valid driver’s license is required. Bilingual preferred but not required.

HOW TO APPLY

You can submit a cover letter and resume via indeed or by email to abedford@shflny.org

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes believes in equal opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability so that an individual can perform job-related duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact our Executive Director at 315-781-1093 Ext 114

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Canandaigua, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23