Children's Advocate

Overview Children’s Advocate role at The Bridge for Kids. Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Salary: $40,000 annually. Full Time/Non-Exempt: 36 hours per week. Main Responsibilities Provide individual and group services to youth survivors of domestic/sexual violence and child abuse using a trauma-informed approach. Collaborate with families to develop a comprehensive, timely service plan addressing safety, survival, and developmental needs. Work with the Casework, Parent Educator, Therapist teams, and outside agencies to support families in the Residential Shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Model intervention techniques to design engaging educational and recreational activities that promote learning and growth for children and their families. Use the Strengths, Needs, and Trauma Exposure Assessment tool to develop supportive plans for the child; prepare and orient families to the agency’s programs and discuss the impact of domestic violence. Stay current with professional knowledge by attending workshops and reviewing publications; act as liaison between school districts and families to ensure McKinney-Vento Act compliance and educational advocacy (504 plans, ARD, special education); address behavioral concerns to support academic and emotional needs. Provide ongoing individual sessions addressing trauma exposure, psycho-educational programming, safety planning, and development of coping skills; provide crisis intervention services and 24-hour hotline support; be available for on-site advocacy at local hospitals on a rotating basis. Required Skills & Qualifications Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience in education, childcare, or case management. If applicable, bilingual Spanish/English required. Must be able to work a flexible schedule; primarily Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Basic understanding of childhood development. Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic/sexual violence and the impact on children of all ages. Good communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to document clearly and concisely; ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Excellent interpersonal skills; patient, nurturing, and compassionate attitude towards children. Preferred, But Not Required Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Education (Early Childhood), Public Administration, Social Work, or related fields, or equivalent experience. High School/GED with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing child advocacy (preferred). CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire). Other Requirements Must pass criminal background investigation. Must provide and maintain current Texas Driver’s License and a clean driving record; annual driving record update. Must provide and maintain current auto liability insurance. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Must be able to stand, bend, kneel, stretch, ascend/descend stairs and lift/carry up to 40 lbs. in an emergency shelter setting. Comprehensive Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Long Term Disability Programs, Employee Assistance Program Retirement Plan - 403(b); employee is always fully vested 36-hour work week Up to 17 Agency Holidays Opportunities for professional development and training #J-18808-Ljbffr The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.