Part-Time Family Advocate

Make a Difference for Children. Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization with a mission to achieve healing and justice for victims of justice by providing collaborative services, advocacy, leadership, and education.

Great Team. For the past 15 years, Mission Kids has been a leader in the field to protect and heal our most vulnerable children. The staff have an unyielding commitment to their clients, as well as each other. Staff are drawn to Mission Kids because of their commitment to the mission; but stay because of the organization’s investment in them.

Great Work Environment. Mission Kids provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that focuses on the growth and development of employees.

Mission Kids does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin(ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Mission Kids is an equal-opportunity employer.

GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Title: Part-Time Family Advocate
Job Type: Part-Time
Reports To: Family Advocate Supervisor
Salary: $22-25 per hour; Commensurate with education and experience
Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Non-Exempt
Expected Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Work Location: East Norriton, PA 19401 with the ability to travel to satellite location in Pottstown, PA. Some travel within Montgomery County required as-needed for court.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Advocate (FA) is considered to be a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), along with The Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth, District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and medical specialists. The FA must possess the skills and demeanor to interface with child victims and their parents and the other professionals who form the multidisciplinary team around any given case.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & TASKS:

The critical role of the Family Advocate (FA) is to educate clients; help them anticipate possible stressors; and provide accurate, up-to-date information and continued access to services. The FA coordinates services to ensure a consistent and comprehensive network of support for the child and family. The FA at Misson Kids Child Advocacy Center (CAC) provides support to child victims of crime (primarily child sexual abuse, but also serious physical abuse, and witness to violent crimes) and their non-offending family members.

The responsibilities of the FA include:

• Greeting and orientation of children and families to the CAC
• Reduction of fear and stress of the child and family while participating at the CAC
• Arranging referrals for crisis intervention for child victims and family members
• Providing information to family members regarding the dynamics of child abuse and the coordinated multidisciplinary response
• Developing, maintaining and assisting in access to victims’ rights information
• Court education, support and accompaniment when necessary
• Assisting families with accessing treatment and other services such as housing, public assistance, food, clothing, and domestic violence intervention
• Providing updates to the family on case status, continuances, case dispositions and sentencing
• Ongoing follow-up contact with families
• Maintaining awareness of prevention educational materials
• Assisting victims with filing for Crime Victims’ Compensation claims as necessary
• Interfacing with Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) members and attend monthly MDT meetings
• Coordinating referrals with partner agencies, scheduling appointments and referrals for medical exams and mental health evaluation/treatments
• Medical examination accompaniment as needed
• Assisting in tracking case dispositions
• Participating in outreach activities, presentations and community relations initiatives
• Attending appropriate training to enhance and/or maintain skills
• Assisting with organizing and participating in fundraising events
• Accurately inputting notes in a timely manner in Case Management System
• Assisting in administrative duties as requested
• Other tasks as assigned by Family Advocate Supervisor; Director of Client Services and Initiatives; and/or Chief Executive Officers

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Victim advocacy;
• The criminal justice system and the roles of the participants;
• Victim rights;
• The effect of trauma and appropriate response techniques;
• Dynamics of family violence and child abuse; and
• Appropriate community resources available for crime victims.

Skills to:

• Assist victims in crisis, either in person or over the phone, using crisis intervention techniques while maintaining composure and professionalism;
• Effectively summarize information for victims in person and in written form;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with crime victims, social service organizations, law enforcement, District Attorney staff, county staff, and other community groups;
• Operate computer office software and other office equipment to maintain accurate and complete records; and
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Ability to:

• Intervene with individuals in stressful situations and assess individual needs;
• Empathize and establish rapport with victims, communicate court procedures, and provide emotional support;
• Provide families with education about trauma and mental health;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, district attorneys, child welfare professionals, and other multidisciplinary team members;
• Investigate and document victims’ compensation claims;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Maintain accurate and complete records;
• Effectively multi-task; and
• Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in social services, psychology, criminal justice or related field and three years’ experience; Master’s degree a plus.
• Experience with child abuse/child sexual abuse a plus
• Bilingual preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel required
• Excellent oral and written skills required
• Successful completion of background checks, including child abuse history, criminal history, and FBI clearances.