Child Advocate

TURNING POINT INC•Mount Clemens, MI

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Advocate is responsible for providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, childcare, and activities to children and families in shelter. The Child Advocate must have experience in providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; and the impact of the violence on children, and must have knowledge and understanding of women and children in shelter and the impact of being in shelter on their lives. Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. Must successfully complete Turning Point’s CORE training

Requirements

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and advocacy-based interventions with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking that are rooted in anti-oppression values and the empowerment model.
Specific knowledge in housing, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, group facilitation, and safety planning are desired as are demonstrated success building teams, collaborating with peers, and solving problems.
Candidates must also have knowledge of advocacy with survivors in various systems including healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services.
Additionally, candidate should have knowledge about victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and loved ones.
The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
As our free, confidential services are inclusive and accessible to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of individuals who identify as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with all survivors and understand the unique barriers that survivors with intersecting oppressed identities will encounter.
Must pass central registry and criminal background check as a condition of employment.
Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record.
Must have the ability to work with diverse populations.
Must be able to work independently
Ability to lift 20 lbs
Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function and adapt to crisis needs at shelter
Ability to climb stairs
Ability to stand for long periods of time

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent is preferred or 3 years’ experience in related field

Responsibilities

Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy.
Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
Uphold Children’s Program’s mission statement, philosophy and ideals while dealing with clients to provide a safe, comfortable, caring environment that focuses on the needs, and safety of the child
Help child complete schoolwork and education planning while in shelter
Provide childcare and recreation activities while parents attend in-shelter groups
Create & provide activities to strengthen life skills, encourage expression and social interaction for children and between family members
Educate and model alternatives to violence as a means of solving problems for mother and child(ren)
Provide families with information on domestic and sexual violence and help them develop a safety plan
Follow Turning Point’s policy on reporting suspected/witnessed abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services
Assist in updating and maintaining an accurate children’s resources/referrals manual
Supervise children on and provide transportation for fieldtrips
Act as an advocate to parent and staff on behalf of the child
Gather materials, coordinate activities/childcare and clean up afterward during shifts and special events.
Assist with facilitation of child & family groups and workshops
Complete necessary documentation for reporting and evaluation purposes
Role model for children and mother’s appropriate interaction including, praise, choices and consequences, confrontation and problem solving
Conduct relationships with staff to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and interdepartmental program development and planning
Notify the Children’s Program Coordinator, Director of Shelter, Senior Director of Residential Services or Chief Executive Officer of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and clients.
Perform all other duties as assigned by Children’s Program Coordinator or Director of Shelter.