Family Advocate

Canopy Child Advocacy Center•Cleveland, OH

6d•$44,000 - $48,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Child Advocacy Center Family Advocate assists juvenile victims of child abuse and their families who are referred to the CAC by providing a full range of services including assistance with crisis intervention, court support, case status, community referrals, community awareness, and performs related duties as required. CAC Family advocates serve children with Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), human trafficking, physical, and sexual abuse by providing community-based support, referrals, and education about the investigative process, rights, and trauma to the juvenile's family. The family advocate supports a family throughout a child sexual abuse investigation, intake through disposition.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in human service, child development, or related field and/or five years of relevant experience
Must have and maintain a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain appropriate insurance coverage
Must maintain appropriate driving record and personal vehicle
Registered victim advocacy credentials (RA) within one year of employment.
Extensive experience working with victims of domestic violence and child abuse
Considerable knowledge of criminal justice system, crisis intervention practices, interviewing, community resources, crime victimization, victim's rights, and advocacy techniques
Computer skills with word processing, database management, e-mail, fax, windows application capabilities
Ability to make sensitive and insightful observations of individuals and to determine a course of intervention
Ability to address crisis situations which require prompt decision and action
Knowledge of safety issues
Knowledge of social, emotional, and personal aspects of domestic violence
Working knowledge of community resources available for adult victims of domestic violence
Ability to perform job duties with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment
Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, functions, procedures, organization, and policies governing the operations of CAC
Ability to analyze problems and develop a plan of action/correction
Ability to organize work, engage in a variety of tasks, and consistently meet deadlines
Demonstrated sounded judgment and outstanding interpersonal skills
Emotional maturity, stability, personal integrity, initiative, and resourcefulness
Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with staff, board members, accrediting bodies, grantors, funding bodies, clients, volunteers, and the general public
Good written and verbal communication skills
Working ability to communicate effectively with victims, defendants, law enforcement, and court personnel; coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with courts, agencies, and individuals
Willingness to respect, understand, and promote the mission, values, and goals of the agency
Ability to incorporate the CAC philosophy into assigned duties
Development of self-respect and respect for others
Celebration of diversity
Promotion of growth in each individual
Shared responsibility and involvement
Open, honest, ethical, and direct communication
Ability to operate a computer and keyboard
Ability to perform job responsibilities in a facility with multiple levels and without elevators
Must be able to provide services at various locations
Communicate with others in person, electronically, or by phone on a consistent basis
Regular and predictable attendance
Background check required.

Responsibilities

Greet and orient the child/family to the Child Advocacy Center
Provide education/support regarding the investigative processes occurring within the judicial, medical, and child protective services realms
Provide education about the coordinated multidisciplinary response
Provide information to the non-offending caregivers regarding trauma and the impact of trauma on children and families
Attends schedule staffing and/or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings
Serve as the liaison between the family and the MDT, keeping the family updated on case status
Provide crisis intervention/support
In conjunction with various members of the MDT, provide education on the dynamics of abuse, coping strategies, the effects of abuse on children and ways to help and support the child
Explain the child's rights as a crime victim and, if needed, provide assistance in accessing/obtaining these rights
Provide court, medical, and/or legal education/support/accompaniment
Assist the child/family in accessing therapy services
Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance to victims and their families by making immediate assessment of needs and makes referrals to other community resources
Work with prosecutors and law enforcement to ensure juvenile victim's confidentiality is maintained
Educate law enforcement, prosecutors, and court staff on the needs of juvenile victims of crime
Assist guardians with applications for State Victim Assistance Compensation by obtaining the necessary information and documents, filling out and processing required paperwork, and following case through payment of bills; Coordinate with victim service providers and the Ohio Attorney General's Office
Orients victims to the criminal justice system by explaining procedural status of criminal proceedings or cases; provide court support to victims
Initiate case records and provides necessary documentation of case activities in a timely manner to the Justice Affairs Manager
Act as an advocate for juvenile victims to ensure their needs are addressed by the community and criminal justice system; Confer with law enforcement and prosecutors on the status of cases; Assist with preparation of temporary protection orders, reimbursement claims, and other processes designed to protect the rights of victims
Provide support to victims and family during interviews with law enforcement officers, attorneys, and court personnel.
Provide victim with explanation of criminal justice system rights
Provide victims and family with follow-up contacts relating to a case status/disposition, information such as charges files, status of criminal proceedings, terms and conditions of probation, parole hearings, and release date
Promote CAC through community meetings
Maintain positive working relationships internally and with assigned courts and team partners
Serve children with PSB in providing medical and/or criminal justice education and support
Respect, understand, and promote CAC mission, values, and goals
Assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as needed and directed