Case Manager Advocate

Madison County Government•Wood River, IL

12d

About The Position

The Case Manager Advocate works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide a professional, child-friendly environment for investigating child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse. The position assesses the needs of child victims and non-offending caretakers, provides education and short-term crisis intervention, connects families with resources, and supports families through case and/or court disposition. The advocate serves as a liaison between families and the multidisciplinary team, maintains case files and required data, and follows the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) protocol and applicable confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, such as social work, criminal justice, public administration, or counseling, related to the CAC’s mission.
Two years of related experience providing services to children and families.
Valid Illinois driver’s license.
Madison County residency required.
Maintain required mandated reporter training.

Responsibilities

Contact caregivers to confirm appointments, complete a brief intake, screen for special needs or accommodations, and provide applicable crisis intervention.
Welcome children and families to the Center; obtain consents and releases; and explain the CAC model, procedures, and interview process.
Collect family history and demographic information and complete individualized assessments of child victims and non-offending caretakers relevant to the investigation and service needs.
Provide relevant information to the multidisciplinary team before, during, and after interviews, staffings, and follow-up.
Educate non-offending caretakers about child abuse, the court process, child development, trauma, counseling, investigative participation, and victim rights.
Coordinate with the Victim Witness Advocate Program through the State’s Attorney’s Office when appropriate and inform families about the Illinois Attorney General’s Violent Crime Victim’s Compensation Program.
Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and connections to community resources, including medical and mental health services; coordinate with the onsite mental health provider, including monthly therapy-program meetings.
Serve as liaison between families and the multidisciplinary team during and after Center visits and through case disposition in child protection and criminal justice systems.
Participate in multidisciplinary team case staffings and provide relevant information through case disposition.
Appear in court as needed and testify in court or DCFS administrative hearings upon request.
Provide comprehensive follow-up and case-status updates to families according to CAC and case management program policies.
Complete required training and continuing education, cross-train with other multidisciplinary team disciplines, and independently review research regarding child abuse and trauma.
Participate in CAC staff, team, supervisory, multidisciplinary team, and case-review meetings; engage in supervision, report critical concerns, and participate in case-file and peer reviews.
Complete reports on time and maintain case files and related documents in accordance with CAC and case management program policies.
Collect data for funders, satisfaction surveys, and other assigned purposes; maintain knowledge of outcome measurement, storage, and data management systems and follow the case management program manual and CAC policies.
Follow the CAC protocol for coordinated responses to child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse.
Assist with trial preparation and court proceedings as requested, including family and team updates about case status, continuances, dispositions, sentencing, and inmate status notifications, as well as court education, tours, support, and accompaniment.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable laws governing the maintenance and disclosure of confidential information.
Assist with training new CAC staff and multidisciplinary team members as appropriate and requested.
Remain familiar with NCA Standards of Accreditation and contribute to CAC compliance with current standards.
Maintain mandated reporter training and report child abuse to the hotline or law enforcement as appropriate.
Represent the CAC in community education and awareness activities and participate in fundraising initiatives.
Contribute positively to the work environment and multidisciplinary team, and perform other reasonably related duties as required or assigned.