Children Services Advocate - PT

Responsibilities and Duties The Children Services Advocate is responsible for working with the Children Services Team to provide advocacy and facilitate deliverable program services. They serve as models for guests in the program while sharing hope and guidance throughout the program experience. The advocate is directly involved with providing quality services to our guests in an environment of love, grace, dignity, and respect. A Children Services Advocate assists children and their parents throughout their program journey. Maintain the Children Services Standard of Excellence under the leadership of the Children Services Manager and Director of Shelter Program Establish and build healthy Christ-honoring relationships with guests while maintaining professional boundaries and guest confidentiality Pray with, advise, and direct children’s efforts related to spiritual, personal, and program needs Provide a developmental environment and support for mental, emotional, academic, or physically challenged children, encouraging understanding of others and positive self‑concepts, and provide services/activities Collaborate with the Children Services Manager to create multi‑age lessons and activities that foster spiritual, mental, emotional, educational, and physical growth of children Plan recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs, physical exercise, field trips, and off‑site activities (e.g., VBS, zoo trips) Transport and/or accompany individual and groups of children in the assigned GRM vehicle only Monitor chapel speaker lessons, ensuring material is consistent with biblical principles as detailed in Gospel Rescue Mission policies Read and teach simple painting, drawing, crafts, and songs Provide age‑appropriate meals and snacks as needed Instruct children in health and personal habits such as eating, resting, and toilet habits Dress children and change diapers Conduct regular dining room or playground monitoring De‑escalate adverse situations, both physically and emotionally, and provide age‑appropriate crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed Participate in caring for the safety and needs of children Orient parents to Children Services Mission 101 intake structure, values, and standards Support volunteers assigned to Children Services Maintain thorough and timely guest records in Mission Tracker, documenting services, incidents, mandated reporting, advocacy services, DSC requirements, observations, meals served, medications administered, and 1:1 ministry Attend meetings and professional training as directed Perform other duties as assigned Employment Status Part‑time, 22.5 hours per week, non‑exempt; eligible for paid time off Eligible for dental, vision, and Simple IRA 3% matching Flexible schedules anticipated BFOQ (Bona Fide Occupational Qualification) Faith aligned Evening shift: Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 8:30 pm; Friday 2 pm – 7:30 pm Reports To Children Services Manager Requirements Required minimum high school diploma or GED 3‑plus years of experience in childcare services, nursery and youth ministry, child welfare advocacy, and behavioral health Personal traits of patience, gentleness, kindness, empathy, and joy Ability to explain the Gospel and salvation to children Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Personal integrity, truthfulness, and accountability are critical, invaluable, and essential characteristics Valid Arizona Driver’s License with a clean driving record Bilingual English/Spanish a plus Must be Christian, living a dedicated life to Christ, and be an instrument of God’s love, grace, hope, and forgiveness to all Physical Demands Draws energy from working with youngest and most precious guests Requires lifting and carrying children, frequent sitting, standing, walking, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds Must maintain cleanliness of the Children Services room and equipment Potential contact with ill individuals; may involve frequent physical demands and compassionate care Mental demands: exposure to crisis situations can cause emotional stress and compassion fatigue, with strong emphasis on employee self‑care Professional Development Achieve weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual success goals as approved and by GRM benchmarks and strategic plan Attend professional training and networking opportunities as directed Attend staff meetings or other meetings as directed Perform other duties as assigned About the Organization Gospel Rescue Mission is a 501 (c)(3) not‑for‑profit religious organization that provides social service programs to the homeless and working‑poor populations. Everything we do in this ministry is centered in the will of God and in honoring the name of Jesus Christ. Employees participate in a grace‑based environment by role‑modeling Christ‑like attributes, maintaining a safe and transparent healing environment, nurturing accountability, teaching biblical precepts, building healthy relationships with guests, staff, and volunteers, and living a personal lifestyle of integrity and honesty. Background Check It is the policy of Gospel Rescue Mission to complete a background check, drug test, and motor vehicle authorization on applicants in the conditional offer stage. #J-18808-Ljbffr