Youth Advocacy Specialist

The District of Columbia Childrens Advocacy Center•Washington, DC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Advocacy Specialist provides advocacy, crisis intervention, systems navigation, emotional support, and short-term ongoing advocacy services as needed to youth (ages 13-17) victims, and their non-offending family members as desired. Youth Advocacy Specialists may be the first point of contact for victims of sexual assault. The focus of youth advocacy support is to help reduce trauma for youth while informing them of their rights and options. The Youth Advocacy Specialist helps youth identify and access services they may need, acting as a liaison with other agencies and service providers and supporting them throughout the investigative process as needed. In accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019 (SAVRAA), this position will respond to youth in community settings such as hospitals or law enforcement agencies, as well as working from an office setting. This position will be required to respond in-person and virtually, depending upon client needs and preferences. This position is part of a team that is available 24/7 and requires participation in an on-call response rotation for after-hours, holidays, and weekends. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute §4-1321.02 when not acting within the defined role that provides an exemption to this mandate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and/or general mental health practice.
Experience working with the criminal justice and/or child welfare systems.
Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of child sexual abuse, family violence, and/or sexual violence.
Must have a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive or access to transportation to meet clients in the community.
Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.
Must be PC proficient and able to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
Must have strong experience with computer technology and equipment and Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Formal training and/or certification as victim advocate or crisis counselor.
Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Provide advocacy and crisis intervention support and/or accompaniment to 13-17 year-old clients (and families, as desired) during the initial medical and/or law enforcement response to sexual assault and ongoing as needed.
Provide information to teens / families regarding trauma and the impacts of trauma, available support and service resources, victim’s rights, and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigative process.
Coordinate as appropriate with other involved service providers or government agencies, in accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019.
Troubleshoot barriers to accessing services with youth, family members, and professionals.
Build relationships within the Youth Advocacy Initiative and with other staff and key stakeholders, including members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Perform a safety assessment of the youth and/or family and develop and recommend a safety plan for the youth victim and family in cases when appropriate.
Participate in regular individual supervision, staff meetings, departmental meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as required.
Provide 24-hour on-call crisis intervention and advocacy services as assigned.
Ensure a tranquil and safe environment for visiting youth and families by monitoring program space and providing support to staff as needed.
Maintain and assure quality and confidentiality of electronic and paper files and prompt maintenance of statistical tracking, client database, and expense files and documentation.
Assist in the maintenance of materials needs such as the clothing closet or youth activity program food and toys, as needed.
Track follow-up surveys to be sent and implement follow-up surveys as needed and as directed.
Manage expenses and expense reports in timely manner and in alignment with the program area budget.
Attend relevant training and stay current on emerging issues and trends related to youth advocacy role.
Participate in community outreach activities to further the Youth Advocacy Initiative's goals.
Assist in the implementation of Safe Shores’ seasonal drives, as needed.

Benefits

Birthday Comp Day (Your birthday is a holiday for you!)
Your Own Annual Professional Development Fund
13 days of paid vacation leave
13 days of paid sick leave
13 days of paid holidays
Paid personal leave
Paid parental leave
100% employer-paid medical (PPO with lots of provider options), dental, and vision insurance for the current 2025-26 plan year
Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee appreciation and wellness events
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan (Employer contribution after 1 year of service)
Paid sabbatical leave for employees with a tenure of five consecutive years.