Children's Advocate

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: 18.13

This position has the responsibility of creating a supportive, child friendly environment at the DVSC for parents and children of domestic violence, by providing crisis support, information and access to community resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
CLIENT CONTACT:
Accurately and efficiently complete all child intake forms and develop service plans with parents.
Provide timely orientation to the childrens program.
Provide appropriate counseling and services according to program standards to children and parents.
Coach and counsel children and mothers sensitively about non-violent conflict resolution and offers assistance as needed. Assist parents in developing and strengthening positive parenting skills.
Plan and facilitate support groups for children.
Provide childcare and quality recreational activities for children during adult house meetings and support groups.

ADVOCACY:
Serve as a liaison to the area school district and the Intermediate Unit, assisting mothers with enrollment and other school-related needs.
Maintain on-going communication with other agencies and community resources on behalf of child clients.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:
Plan and carry out structured activities, childrens support groups, parenting groups, daily programming, and outings. Develop curriculums and obtain approvals for new programming. Follows and maintains established program curriculums.
Develop and maintain a relationship with the Child Advocacy Network of PCADV.
Explore and utilizes community resources to enhance the childrens program.

PLAYROOM:
Create and maintain a safe, sanitary and stimulating environment.
Ensure adequate supplies and requests replenishment as needed.
Clean play areas and toys on a regular basis per required health and safety standards. Encourage parents and children to help with daily clean-up.

SUPERVISION:
Supervise childrens program volunteers and students.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
Provide intervention as needed with individuals, other agencies, and systems on behalf of clients. Provide assistance in filing victim compensation claims. Assist with systems advocacy efforts as requested.
Provide crisis intervention, intake, supportive options counseling, safety planning, information and referral, advocacy with other community resources, follow up services, referral to emergency shelter and transportation arrangements, if needed, in person (Shelter/BH, court, and hospital) or on Hotline as necessary.
Document all client, client-related contact and activity on appropriate forms and client-based software per agency policy/procedure or as requested by the supervisor. Assist supervisors with requested statistical record keeping and data collection.
Continually work towards promoting a harmonious and cooperative environment among residents
Ensure a safe and efficient facility and perform basic preventative maintenance to remove any safety concerns.
Participate in case conferences, staff meetings and training as scheduled.
Assist in the training/orientation of new employees, volunteers, and students as requested.
May be requested to participate in child-related community events.
Work cooperatively with other staff, volunteers and interns; assisting and guiding duties, program requirements and housing guidelines while on duty.
Perform other reasonably requested duties as per the Supervisors or the Executive Director.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND JOB SKILLS
A minimum of an associates degree in child development or related field is required; a Bachelors degree is desired; with at least 1 year experience in social service provision; child development; and/or child care.
Experience delivering effective learning activities will be an advantage.
Must have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times
The ability to handle situations with sensitivity and understanding is important.
Must be able to work with a diverse population
Effective verbal and written communication skills are required.
This position requires good judgment and the ability to use basic practical problem-solving skills. The ability to effectively manage in-house crisis situations; to provide crisis intervention; and to interact professionally and assertively with others are required skills.
An understanding of and commitment to client self-determination is essential.
Familiarity with effects of family violence issues on children; of feminist philosophy and issues; of problems faced by victims of domestic violence; and of problems faced by disadvantaged and homeless women is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
PA Child Abuse History Clearance
PA Criminal Background Check
FBI Criminal Background Check
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen
A valid PA Drivers license, access to a motor vehicle, successful MVR check, and adequate auto insurance
Must complete mandatory Counselor/Advocate training in a timely manner

The willingness to work toward the goals of the agency according to DVSC philosophy and policy; and to accept further education/training to develop skills appropriate to the position are essential requirements.

DVSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.