Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

The Advocate provides support to clients and clients' non-offending family members, ensuring continuous access to essential services that have been impacted due to victimization. This position is committed to actively promoting the interests of clients and their families by reducing barriers to services and fostering access to a range of resources that contribute to the overall well-being and recovery of those affected by trauma.

Position reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Essential Functions:

Information & Referral

Evaluate referrals for the suitability of Center services.

Provide resources and facilitate access to essential resources by providing information and

referrals to internal and external services that cater to the diverse needs of a client.

Utilize knowledge of housing, protective orders, domestic violence intervention, food assistance, transportation services, public assistance programs, childcare, and civil legal services to guide clients in accessing appropriate resources to address needs related to abuse.

Adhere to external service referral procedures and ensure compliance with Center policies.

Provide information regarding the role of the Advocate to the client/caregiver.

Assessment

Assess child’s individual needs and cultural considerations related to the Center’s service delivery and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and other service providers to ensure comprehensive and culturally sensitive support.

Determine the need for a risk assessment to evaluate the level of risk associated with the client's circumstances, when necessary.

Perform other assessments as appropriate, providing interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the child and family.

Take a proactive approach by developing individualized safety plans for clients, when necessary.

Coordinate with the Clinical team to ensure a client-centered, trauma-informed approach to service delivery.

Forensic Services Support

Meet with the non-offending caregiver during the child's Forensic Interview to provide support and information.

Attend pre- and post- Interview meetings, actively participating in discussions and decision-making processes.

Observe interviews, as necessary, to stay informed and contribute effectively to the case.

Outreach & Follow-Up

Ensure that follow-up calls are made on a required intervals to assess continued family needs and access to services related to abuse.

Coordinate with other agencies to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and services.

Adhere to confidentiality when coordinating services through cross-referrals.

Document follow-up calls in a timely manner.

Assist in the planning and facilitation of groups; Caregiver, Teen, and Body Safety.

Crime Victim Compensation

Maintain a supply of brochures and applications.

Routinely and repeatedly inform clients and non-offending caregivers of their rights as crime victims.

Review eligibility for crime victims related to the benefits with clients and caregivers.

Assist in the completion of the application and checking on claim status.

Court Support

Engage clients and family in education related to the investigation and prosecution process, while understanding their rights.

Track cases in order to provide updates to clients and family regarding investigations, courts dates, continuances, dispositions, sentencing, inmate status notification, and offender’s release from custody, if applicable.

Empower clients and families with in-depth knowledge about court procedures and providing a court orientation or tour when possible.

Support clients and family by attending court hearings, trials, or other legal proceedings related to the abuse, when appropriate.

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Schedule medical exams with the YWCA and coordinate the presence of volunteers or interns to accompany clients.

Actively participate in ongoing Case Review (Team Case), Case Consultation, Clinical meetings, Peer Review, Victim Advocate provider meetings, and All-Staff meetings.

Optimize relationship-building, share information and resources, discuss interagency challenges, avoid duplication of services, and address policy and practice needs with other providers in Victim Advocacy.

Meet before or after Case Review to discuss coordination of Advocate involvement and relevant information to share with other MDT members.

Debrief after Case Review regarding service delivery issues that were raised or to discuss next steps on cases.

Program Documentation

Adhere to Center documentation standards, ensuring that all client interactions, interventions, and support services are accurately recorded from case initiation to case closure, adhering to timelines and protocols.

Adhere to external service referral procedures and ensure compliance with Center policies.

Prepare for audits and program reviews by consistently engaging in practices that are organized and accurate.

Utilize existing technology systems to maintain client information.

Professional & Program Development

Engage in approved ongoing professional development to ensure a current and comprehensive understanding of advancements in relevant fields of trauma-focused services or victim advocacy, 8 hours every two years.

Participate in achieving objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan and Key Performance Indicators.

Contribute to the accreditation process and ensure forensic services and operations align seamlessly with the National Children's Alliance (NCA) accreditation standards.

Special Projects & Support

Represent the Center during approved delivery of training or engagement in the community.

Collect client feedback through established processes.

Assist with Center events, as requested.

Provide coverage of the front desk.

And other duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor or the President/CEO.

Education & Experience Needed:

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred.

Occupational background in child abuse investigations, child abuse, or other human service occupation preferred.

A minimum of two years of experience working directly with children from diverse backgrounds.

Completion of a minimum of 24 hours of training, covering victim support and advocacy service topics.

Knowledge of available community and legal resources, protective orders, housing, public assistance, transportation, and financial assistance preferred.

Understanding of the dynamics of trauma, child sexual abuse, and child development required.

Proficient in Google Workspace

Valid driver's license, proof of valid insurance, and reliable automobile required for regular travel throughout Kent County, with occasional travel outside of the county.