Child and Family Advocate

The Guidance Center•Southgate, MI

20h

About The Position

The Child and Family Advocate works in The Guidance Center’s Kids-TALK Program, providing direct services to children and families seen at the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center. The role supports the Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission by providing advocacy, crisis support, and referrals to child victims of abuse and neglect and their non-offending families and caretakers. The Advocate ensures program activities align with the mission and comply with required reporting agencies, monitors referrals for timely handling, and ensures required data is submitted accurately and on time. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to meet the needs of the CAC’s clients and partners. The position requires frequent travel between Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field.
Working knowledge of child maltreatment dynamics, trauma, and child development.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Children’s Protective Services/Foster Care Services, and/or the courts.
Ability to engage children age 17 and under and their families from diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a strong commitment to customer service.
Ability to work cooperatively with diverse professional groups.
Ability to develop and maintain a strong resource network and collaborative relationships with other providers.
Nonjudgmental approach reflecting cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of children and families.
Ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems.
Willingness to be flexible, patient, and creative.
Ability to appropriately handle crisis situations and computer proficiency.
Must have MDHHS Central Registry and background check clearance.
Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record.
Ability to travel frequently between Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center sites.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with abused or neglected children and their families is highly preferred; priority is given to candidates with additional experience.
Training and experience working with multidisciplinary teams consisting of law enforcement, human service professionals, and the court system.

Responsibilities

Provide direct services to children and families served at the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center.
Provide advocacy, crisis support, and referral services to child victims of abuse and neglect and their non-offending families and caretakers.
Ensure program activities meet the Kids-TALK program’s mission and comply with requirements of reporting agencies.
Monitor referrals to ensure they are handled in a timely manner.
Ensure required data is submitted accurately and on time.
Engage children age 17 and under and their families from diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other providers and a strong resource network.
Assess and intervene within complex family and community systems, and appropriately handle crisis situations.
Travel frequently between Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center sites.