About the Role
Join Our Mission
At Heartford House Child Advocacy Center, we believe every child deserves to be heard, protected, and supported. As a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, we work alongside law enforcement, the Indiana Department of Child Services, medical providers, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to help children and families navigate one of the most difficult times in their lives.
We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and dependable Family Advocate to join our team. If you are passionate about supporting children, empowering families, and making a lasting impact in your community, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
The Family Advocate serves as a trusted guide for children and their non-offending caregivers throughout the Child Advocacy Center process. This role provides crisis support, education, referrals, and ongoing advocacy while coordinating services with multidisciplinary partners. The position may also include conducting forensic interviews using nationally recognized protocols (training provided if needed).
Primary Responsibilities
Family Advocacy & Client Support
- Welcome children and families to Heartford House in a warm, trauma-informed environment.
- Provide emotional support to non-offending caregivers during the investigative process.
- Explain the Child Advocacy Center process and answer questions regarding next steps.
- Connect families with community resources, counseling services, victim assistance, and other supportive programs.
- Conduct follow-up contacts with families to ensure ongoing access to services.
- Prepare and maintain accurate case files and electronic documentation.
- Administer client satisfaction surveys and outcome measurement tools.
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Serve as a liaison between Heartford House and multidisciplinary partners, including:
- Law Enforcement
- Department of Child Services
- Prosecutors
- Medical Providers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, and peer review activities.
- Maintain confidentiality while ensuring effective communication among team members.
Forensic Interviewing
- Conduct child forensic interviews using nationally recognized protocols (training provided for qualified candidates).
- Participate in an on-call rotation for urgent interview requests.
- Complete interview documentation accurately and timely.
Administrative & Program Support
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, child-friendly environment.
- Assist with volunteer coordination and community outreach activities.
- Collect program statistics and prepare reports.
- Attend required trainings and participate in continuing professional development.
- Perform other duties that support the mission of Heartford House.
Qualifications
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to travel locally and occasionally regionally
- Successful completion of:
- National criminal background check
- Department of Child Services background check
- Sex offender registry screening
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and climb stairs throughout the workday
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Child Development
- or a related field
Experience
Ideal candidates will have experience working with:
- Children and families
- Victims of trauma
- Crisis intervention
- Child welfare
- Social services
- Advocacy or victim services
Skills & Abilities
- Compassionate, empathetic, and professional demeanor
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to remain calm in emotionally sensitive situations
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office; experience with case management databases is preferred
- Experience with QuickBooks is a plus but not required
Compensation & Benefits
- $18.23–$21.63 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- Opportunity to become trained and certified in forensic interviewing
Why Heartford House?
Every day, our team helps children begin the path toward healing. We provide hope, compassion, and advocacy while working alongside professionals dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families.
If you are looking for meaningful work where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you.
To Apply
Please submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three Professional References
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.
Heartford House Child Advocacy Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.23 - $21.63 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
