Family Advocate
PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO [email protected]
Please note this is in person position!
Description: The Tree House Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Montgomery County Maryland is pleased to announce an opening for a full time Spanish-speaking Family Advocate
We provide both forensic and clinical services to children and families who have experienced child abuse and/or neglect. Our staff includes a forensic interviewer, pediatrician with a child abuse specialty, family advocate, psychologists, social workers and administrative staff. As part of the CAC model we work closely with our partner agencies that include Child Welfare Services, The Office of the State's Attorney, The Office of the County Attorney and the Special Victims Unit of the Montgomery County Police.
The Tree House offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health insurance, holidays and paid leave.
Job Description
The Family Advocate works closely with victims of child maltreatment, their siblings, and their non-offending caregiver(s) to assist in connecting them with available county and community resources and in navigating the court system. They work closely with the State's Attorney’s Office, Child Welfare Services, Law Enforcement, County Attorney's Office and other Agencies as necessary.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Communicates criminal case status and progress to non-offending family members, guardians, and caregivers.
· Advocates for the victim and non-offending family members, guardians, and caregivers in expressing their wishes to Child Welfare Services, Law Enforcement the State's Attorney's Office, County Attorney's Office, and Tree House staff.
· Prepares the victim and non-offending family members, guardians, and caregivers for court appearances, which may include educational court prep, individual meetings, phone conversations, educational materials, and accompanying the victim and their caregiver(s) to court.
· Maintains regular contact with Police, Prosecutors, County Attorneys, and Child Welfare Services with tact, tenacity, and assertiveness.
· Notifies non-offending family members, guardians and caregivers of victim's rights and assists child and others, as necessary, with victim impact statements.
· Assists non-offending family members, guardians, and caregivers with a variety of support services, including community resources, therapy referrals, filing compensation claims, and supportive counseling.
· Stays informed of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) requirements.
· Attends Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings, Mental Health Therapy Team Meetings, Staff Meetings and other meetings that are deemed appropriate and necessary.
· Maintains appropriate case records.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Assists in writing protocols and procedures for Victim and Family Advocate.
· Coordinates community outreach to victims and non-offending family members, guardians, and care takers.
· Maintains a list of county and community resources for referral purposes.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
· Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field preferred. Will consider family/victim advocacy experience.
· Experience working with primary and secondary victims of child abuse and neglect.
· Experience with law enforcement, criminal justice, child educational, legal, health, and various other community programs preferred.
· Strong diplomacy and communication skills. Must function effectively as part of multidisciplinary team.
· Ability to pass a criminal and child abuse background check.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
· Spanish/English bilingual capability required.
· Knowledge of Montgomery County community resources and ability to help clients navigate available government services preferred.
· Excellent computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office applications.
Job Type: Full-time
If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume, with FAMILY ADVOCATE in the subject line, to [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
