Position title: Child and Adult Advocate

Reports to: Director of Counseling and Prevention Education

Position classification: FT Non-Exempt Employee

Position status: At-Will

Position Summary

The Child and Adult Advocate provides support, safety planning, advocacy, and educational services to children and adults who have experienced family or intimate partner violence and/or abuse. The Child and Adult Advocate uses a victim defined, trauma informed approach which empowers clients with respect to their individual identity, age, culture, safety, priority of needs, and their right to self-determination. The advocate creates an atmosphere of cooperation and trust with children, adults, families and the agency, connecting clients to resources within Safe Futures and in the community to provide a coordinated support system.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all client and agency information.

· Complete intake, collect demographic data and conduct a safety and risk assessment for clients. Establish short and long-term goals as well as a realistic timeframe in which the goals will be reached.

· Help clients create, implement, review and update individual and family safety plan(s) including planning for leaving, for staying and for long range safety planning.

· Advocate, collaborate, and coordinate services for clients and their families within Safe Futures and the community.

· Assist in implementation of Camp HOPE/Pathways, Kids Club, and other evidence based/social emotional programs and activities for children and their families/guardians.

· Identify and prioritize basic educational and parenting needs with clients and with their children.

· Advocate for and support parents and students in accessing childcare, education services, assist in school enrollment and secure transportation.

· Provide information and support based upon best practices in parenting, child development, psychoeducation, client defined advocacy, and trauma informed services.

· Provide parents, caregivers, and children with information about the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse.

· Provide information for parents and guardians, and unaccompanied youth about the rights of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.

· Participate in Safe Futures bi-weekly case management meetings to monitor progress, identify challenges and potential solutions.

· Promote a spirit of sensitivity, cooperation, trust and hope within Safe Futures as a whole.

· Collaborate with program staff within the agency to ensure a cohesive intersection of services to clients.

· Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the organization.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or early childhood development preferred.

· Experience working with children and addressing their social emotional learning needs.

· Demonstration of strong writing, leadership, and organizational skills.

· Ability to collaborate effectively with organizations and community partners.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

· Familiarity with Understanding Motivational Interviewing.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.

· Ability to drive to clients in numerous locations throughout Southeastern CT.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with databases.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.

· Ability to become domestic violence and CPR/First Aid Certified and maintain annual re-certification.

· Safe Futures is an AA/EOE.