Child & Youth Advocate/Housing Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the executive director this advocate is responsible to provide comprehensive services for children and youth impacted by domestic and/or sexual violence as well as assisting survivors of domestic violence in finding safe and stable housing through CRA’s Rapid Re-Housing Program. These responsibilities include providing advocacy within the legal/judicial, social service, medical, school, housing, mental health, and other systems as needed. The advocate will be responsible to assist in defining options and working toward the development of the child/youth, and empowering individuals and families to make decisions that secure their housing future.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Respond to crisis/needs of clients. Advocate for and support child and parents in the legal, human services, health, and educational systems.
• Provide Coordinated Entry to domestic violence survivors experience homelessness in Polk and Burnett Counties.
• Establish relationships with local housing programs and private landlords.
• Complete paperwork on all contracts, activities with clients, and communicate needs of clients to other CRA staff and service providers. Provide referrals to clients based on client needs to outside agencies.
• Use good judgement and discretion when handling uncommon situations, including emergency calls for assistance (i.e. – on-call staff, executive director, police, etc.). Provide age-appropriate information to children/youth and parents/guardians in services about domestic and sexual violence. Clarify misconceptions and concerns.
• Provide timely and accurate documentation to grant funders.
• Provide general case management to clients as required both by the DV-RRH Program and HUD. Manage daily tasks for the Child and Youth Program including grant goals (group facilitation, SANE accompaniment, safety planning, etc.) and performance objectives in compliance with CRA policies.
• Follow child abuse and/or neglect to appropriate agencies required by CRA policy.
• Provide transportation to clients as needed.
• Educate the community through presentations in schools, community events, and other public forums. Educate, exchange, and share information with area service providers on the issues of sexual assault, family violence, and effects of domestic violence on children while building a coordinated community response to better meet the needs of children.
• Provide temporary childcare to parents/guardians in shelter when feasible.
• Update paperwork as required by HUD policies and procedures.
• Comply with “on-call” requirements and other duties as assigned by executive director.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work well with other staff through collaboration and team-building.
• H.S. diploma or equivalent plus 2 years post-secondary in a human-service related field and/or 2 years of experience working in a human-service related field. Training and/or experience working with children and/or experience in the areas of domestic and sexual violence preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance. Good driving record.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to maintain total confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain some flexibility in the workweek as priorities may be subject to change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Highest degree of interpersonal skills.
• Able to set clear, professional boundaries and exercise diplomacy and professional conduct in all situations.
• Proven organizational skills and problem-solving skills.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• This position is accountable to the executive director in all functions and activities related to this position.
• Responsible for the general tidiness and cleanliness of individual and shared office spaces.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May be required to travel on a regular basis.
• May sit or stand for extended periods of time each workday.
• May lift up to 25 lbs.
• May use computer for extensive periods each day.
• Significant amount of standing, stooping, reaching, and bending is required.

Company Description

CRA is a local, grassroots organization dedicated to helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence since 1979.

Company Description

CRA is a local, grassroots organization dedicated to helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence since 1979.