Child Advocate

Overview Join our dedicated team as a Child Advocate, where your passion for protecting and empowering children will make a lasting impact. In this vital role, you will serve as a compassionate liaison between children, families, and community resources, ensuring that every child's voice is heard and their safety is prioritized within the emergency shelter setting. You will oversee and coordinate all the needs of the children at the shelter and provide parenting skill counseling for women at the shelter. Responsibilities Provide direct support and advocacy for children involved in child protective services or facing family crises Conduct thorough assessments of children's needs, safety, and well-being through interviews Completes a thorough needs assessment of each child sheltered within one week of their arrival. Oversees children's needs and coordinates referrals to appropriate agencies, schools, etc. Serves as a contact person regarding any child or children matters at shelter. Responsible for a planned daily child activity. Responsible for organizing activities for clients on all holidays. This should include gifts, menus, parties, and other activities. Provides counseling to shelter children. Maintains monthly statistics and program reporting regarding service delivery to children and coordinates reporting with DV supervisor. Facilitate support groups and/or activity groups for children. Provide information and education to children about domestic violence in an age-appropriate manner. Provides support, counseling, case management and crisis intervention to mothers and their children at the shelter. Assists parents with daily activities, planning transportation, child-care, shopping, etc. Responsible for individual or group parenting. Advocate with outside systems regarding children's needs, including advocacy with DCF. Model healthy parenting skills. Coordinate services with other organization staff. Provide other services as deemed necessary. Prior experience working with children in social work, childcare, or related fields is highly preferred Knowledge of child protective services procedures, family law, and behavioral health practices Proven ability to manage crisis situations effectively with calmness and confidence Strong conflict management skills to navigate sensitive family dynamics and resolve disputes constructively Excellent communication skills to build trust with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams Ability to handle emotionally charged situations with empathy while maintaining professionalism Familiarity with community resources related to child welfare, mental health support, and family services

Overall Duties:

Provides transportation, per approval by supervisor, using proper seat belts and car seats for babies with agency vehicle. Maintain client confidentiality subject to the FVVA's agency's confidentiality policies and the provisions of CGS 52-146k privileged communications between battered women's counselors and victims of domestic violence. Obtain and document victim's permission to release information as needed. Develop and maintain a system for referrals to CCADV domestic violence programs. Develop and maintain a system for referrals to services in the community. Maintains documentation and statistics. Make appropriate intake decisions and informed referrals. Assists in volunteer training and supervision. Available to be on-call as needed. Attends staff meetings. Other duties as requested by Director.

Special Requirements:

Certification as a battered women's counselor (under CGS 52-146k) as amended, regarding Confidential Communications. Knowledge and experience with issues of domestic violence. Crisis intervention and counseling skills. A warm, caring person with ability to deal with children in crisis situations. Oral and written communication skills. Organizational skills. Ability to work and relate to a team work setting, multi-ethnic background persons and cooperative living situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. Driver's license and use of personal car for business purposes. Knowledge and experience with local and state service providers.

Qualifications:

Experience working with children for a minimum of two years. Crisis intervention counseling experience. Experience with domestic violence issues and their advocacy. Minimum of Associates Degree in social work or human services, early childhood or related field required or in progress. Join us in making a difference—empower children to thrive by providing compassionate advocacy and unwavering support. Your dedication can transform lives!

Pay:

From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person