Children's Advocate

Children’s Advocate Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Full Time/Non-Exempt: 36‑hour work week Annual salary: $40,000 Description The Bridge for Kids is a dynamic childcare center dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education and care to children within our community who are part of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) movement. We are committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive amidst challenging circumstances. By implementing trauma‑informed practices, we ensure that every child enjoys learning while developing the skills needed for long‑term success in school and in life. We provide crisis intervention services so compassionate efforts can make a lasting difference for those we serve. As a Children’s Advocate, you will create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive despite challenging circumstances. Main Responsibilities Provide individual and group services to youth survivors of domestic/sexual violence and child abuse, using a trauma‑informed approach. Partner with families to develop timely, comprehensive service plans that address safety, survival, and developmental needs. Collaborate with the Casework, Parent Educator, and Therapist teams, as well as outside agencies, to deliver efficient services to families in the Residential Shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Model intervention techniques and design engaging educational and recreational activities that promote learning, growth, and enjoyment for children and families. Use the Strengths, Needs, and Trauma Exposure Assessment tool to develop supportive plans for children. Provide orientation to the agency’s programs, explain the impact of domestic violence, minimize psychological trauma, and promote structure and routine. Maintain up‑to‑date professional knowledge by attending workshops on trauma, ACEs, child abuse, mental health, legal advocacy, and program development; review publications; network; benchmark state‑of‑the‑art practices; and join professional societies. Act as liaison with the school district to ensure compliance with the McKinney‑Vento Act, provide educational advocacy for 504 plans, ARD meetings, special education services, and address behavioral concerns to support academic and emotional needs. Conduct individual sessions addressing trauma impact, psycho‑educational programming, safety planning, and healthy coping strategies. Provide crisis intervention services, support the 24‑hour hotline, and be available on a rotating basis for on‑site advocacy at local hospitals. Required Skills & Qualifications Minimum of one year experience in education, childcare, or case management. Bilingual Spanish/English required if applicable. Ability to work a flexible schedule, primarily Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Basic understanding of child development. Knowledge of domestic/sexual violence dynamics and impact on children. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish rapport and communicate with diverse populations. Clear, concise documentation skills. Team collaboration skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Patient, nurturing, and compassionate attitude toward children. Preferred, But Not Required Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field (highly desired). High school or GED plus at least three years experience in child advocacy. CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire). Other Requirements Pass criminal background investigation. Maintain a current Texas driver’s license and clean record; update annually. Maintain current auto liability insurance. Authorized to work in the U.S. Ability to stand, bend, kneel, stretch, ascend/descend stairs, and lift or carry up to 40 lbs. in an emergency shelter setting. Comprehensive Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Long‑Term Disability Programs, Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) retirement plan with full vesting. 36‑hour work week. Up to 17 agency holidays. Opportunities for professional development and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr Alpine Fit, LLC