Child Advocate

TITLE: Child Advocate

REPORTS TO: Children’s Services Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time Non-Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION & QUALIFICATIONS: The Child Advocate is responsible for providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, childcare, and activities to children and families in shelter. A Bachelors Degree in Social Work or equivalent is preferred. The Child Advocate must have experience in providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; and the impact of the violence on children, and must have knowledge and understanding of women and children in shelter and the impact of being in shelter on their lives. Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. Must have the ability to work with diverse populations. Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record. Must pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Must successfully complete Turning Point’s 44- hour training

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy.
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
• Uphold Shelter Children’s Program’s mission statement, philosophy and ideals while dealing with clients Provide a safe, comfortable, caring environment that focuses on the needs, and safety of the child
• Help child complete schoolwork and education planning while in shelter
• Provide childcare and recreation activities while parents attend in-shelter groups
• Create & provide activities to strengthen life skills, encourage expression and social interaction for children and between family members
• Educate and model alternatives to violence as a means of solving problems for mother and child(ren)
• Provide families with information on domestic and sexual violence and help them develop a safety plan
• Follow Turning Point’s policy on reporting suspected/witnessed abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services
• Assist in updating and maintaining an accurate children’s resources/referrals manual
• Supervise children on and provide transportation for fieldtrips
• Act as an advocate to parent and staff on behalf of the child
• Gather materials, coordinate activities/childcare and clean up afterward during shifts and special events.
• Assist with facilitation of child & family groups and workshops
• Complete necessary documentation for reporting and evaluation purposes
• Role model for children and mother’s appropriate interaction including, praise, choices and consequences, confrontation and problem solving
• Conduct relationships with staff to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and interdepartmental program development and planning
• Notify the Shelter Children’s Program Coordinator, Director of Shelter Crisis Services, Chief Program Officer or Chief Executive Officer of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and clients.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Shelter Children’s Program Coordinator or Director of Shelter Crisis Services

Knowledge Skill & Abilities:

• Have a working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault
• Knowledge of child development and impact of sexual assault/domestic violence on development
• Knowledge of cultural and societal influences on sexual assault survivors
• Knowledge of rape culture and its effects on survivors of sexual assault
• Knowledge/skills of crisis intervention theory and its application to child survivors
• Knowledge/skills of empowerment strength based model and its application to child survivors of abuse
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge/s kills of empathy, active listening and conflict resolution skills with children and families
• Keep child advocates up to date on needed information
• Team building skills

Conditions:

• Must be able to work independently
• Ability to lift 30 lbs
• Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function and adapt to crisis needs at shelter
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to stand for long periods of time