Position Title: Family Advocate
Supervisor: Family Services Lead
Position Description:
The main purpose of this position is to deliver services to child victims and their families who have experienced abuse or neglect. The focus is on coordinating intervention services recommended by DCAC Staff and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) members, identifying barriers that may prevent families from receiving these services, and advocating for the prompt implementation of necessary support.
Education and Experience: Position Qualifications and Skills
B.S. or B.A. in social work, human services, or related field plus two years of relevant experience in the field of child abuse and/or family advocacy in underserved populations. Must possess excellent communication skills to advocate for families in individual, group, and community settings. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. This list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.
Primary Duties
· Educate caregivers on the Forensic Interview process including DCAC paperwork, crime victim compensation, SC Victim’s Rights, the CAC Model, MDT purpose and members, and DCAC services
· Support and guide the children and family members in the aftermath of their crisis and trauma
· Provide crisis assessment, intervention services, and continuous support for children and family members at all stages of involvement with DCAC in the family’s pursuit of justice while maintaining cultural considerations
· Engage the children and caregivers regarding their input into the investigation and possible prosecution
· Participate in MDT Case Review to communicate and advocate for the unique needs of each child and family; participate in associated service planning, facilitate coordination of services, and ensure the child and family’s concerns are heard and addressed
· Collaborate with Law Enforcement Victim Advocates, Solicitor’s Office Victim Advocates, and court appointed Guardians ad Litem to ensure family needs are being met
· Offer court education and courthouse/courtroom tours, support, and court accompaniment when requested
· Provide follow-up calls to the caregiver in accordance with DCAC advocacy guidelines
· Stay informed on DSS case decisions, law enforcement investigations, and prosecution updates in adherence to NCA case tracking requirements
· Maintain DCAC Collaborate digital case files including, but not limited to, documenting FA Initial and Follow-Up Contacts, Case Coordination, Case Dispositions (decisions), OMS Surveys, and other services provided
· Obtain and maintain Victim Service Provider (VSP) certification
· Provide witness testimony if subpoenaed by the court
· Maintain comprehension of child abuse dynamics, current prevention trends, and community education
· Attend trainings, conferences, meetings, and supervision as requested
· Participate in community events to increase awareness of DCAC services
Other Essential Duties
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
· Maintain understanding of child abuse dynamics and understanding of current trends in the field of prevention and community education
· Demonstrate high quality interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
· Possess strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities
· Exhibit excellent computer skills with intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
· Possess exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
· Demonstrate a willingness to cooperate, work, and communicate with coworkers, supervisors, or outside contacts
· Ability to work with others as a team and express individual viewpoint while considering and learning from the input of others
· Properly interpret and apply company, division, and/or department policies/procedures to job responsibilities
Pay: $40,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
