Child Advocacy Specialist

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes Inc•Town of Canandaigua, NY

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Provides ongoing crisis support to children and their non-offending caregivers when there has been a disclosure or allegation of child abuse. Monitors case progress, maintains client files and documentation accordingly, as well as works in collaboration with partner agencies to reduce trauma to children and their families.

Requirements

A High School diploma with two years of experience working with vulnerable populations is required.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Demonstrated ability to effectively present in public forums.
Skilled in addressing and discussing sensitive issues.
Ability to establish and maintain networks of professional relationships.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to multitask, work rapidly to meet deadlines, and perform work under pressure while maintaining composure and professionalism.
Ability to demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity to other perspectives.
Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to different work and communication styles of colleagues and clients.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems using analytical skills and abilities.
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and professionalism under stress.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in human services with the same experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive assessments of client needs in collaboration with the Youth Crisis Advocate assigned to the case.
Provides referrals to other victim services and facilitates connections with additional community support services for additional assistance.
Provides trauma-informed advocacy by helping clients with goal planning, offering crisis intervention, developing safety plans, and providing consistent follow-up services to ensure ongoing support.
Assist with orders of protection, custody petitions, and family court advocacy in support of the child or non-offending caregiver on behalf of the child.
Manages a caseload and ensures timely and accurate completion of case notes within the Agency database.
Educates clients about their eligibility for the Office of Victim Services and guides them through the application processes as necessary.
Communicates via phone and voicemails as needed with victims, caregivers, and Multidisciplinary Team members.
Makes mandated child abuse reports to local law enforcement and State Central Registry as appropriate.
Covers a 24-hour Youth hotline for approximately four weeks per year offering immediate support and guidance to individuals in crisis.
Performs additional duties as assigned by management.