Child/Teen Advocate

JOB SUMMARY:

Coordinates and provides services for children within the Family Violence Program, including advocacy, educational and recreational activities, crisis intervention, and ongoing emotional support. The Child/Teen Advocate maintains, develops, and strengthens the children’s program and work in collaboration with the Family Violence Program Staff and community organizations to provide comprehensive services to families. The Child/Teen Advocate also represents the organization through participating in community and city government agency meetings, collaborations, and coalitions.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide initial screening/assessment of children 0-18, who have been impacted by domestic violence.
• Provide advocacy, emotional support, and crisis intervention to children/ youth within the Shelter, Housing Programs and Outreach Programs.
• Identify unmet needs, make referrals, and advocate for connection to community resources such as school and after-school program placement, counseling, medical care, childcare, etc.
• Assess all children for child abuse and neglect in accordance with the law, follow protocol in reporting all suspected cases of child abuse/neglect, and work alongside appropriate agencies.
• Coordinate and facilitate weekly support group(s) for children and adolescents.
• Develop and facilitate group activities/outings (i.e. summer camp, holiday activities, back-to-school, weekend activities, etc.) for children and youth
• Coordinate and/or provide childcare for agency related purposes as needed.
• Have as needed screening meetings with parents to focus on children’s needs and link family to appropriate resources.
• Promote parent-child relationship and provide parenting education and emotional support to mothers including creative, non-violent approaches to discipline, child development, children’s behavioral and mental health, transitions into and out of shelter, impact of violence on children, etc.
• Train, manage, engage and evaluate volunteers who are responsible for assisting with the program and events.
• Maintain children’s play and storage areas.
• Update and maintain files on individual children, activities, intakes, and exits. Update case notes on a daily basis.

• Document all pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality within the agency guidelines.
• Complete mandatory documentation within timelines established by the supervisor.   
• Complete client discharge plans and develop a continuum of care plan.
• Maintain timely and accurate reports, records, statistics, and documentation for all areas of responsibility and as needed for grant funding.
• Provide 30, 60, 90 day post case management services for families with children who have transitioned out of liveSAFE Resources Programs.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, professional workshops, and special events, as requested.
• Provide welcoming and supportive environment for residents

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong oral communication skills required to effectively communicate with a broad range of individuals
• Strong written communications skills required to maintain quality documentation of screening/assessment notes.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems
• Interpersonal skills (able to understand oral and written directives)
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to control the flow of specific documents
• May be required to lift boxes up to 25 lbs.

MINIMUM CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE:

A certificate in Early Childhood Development or Education and a minimum of 2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development/Education preferred.  Requires knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the realm of Early Childhood Development. Experience and ability to work with children of all ages and their mothers (knowledge of different developmental stages is highly desirable).  Experience providing childcare and support to children of all ages and knowledge of and sensitivity to issues of domestic violence is a plus.  Must have the ability to deal with crisis situations effectively and calmly.

Must have valid driver’s license in State of Georgia and driving record must comply with insurance requirements.  Must complete and pass CPR First Aid Course. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of background, fingerprint, drug and motor vehicle record checks.