Job Description
Newaygo County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (PCA) Family Advocate and Prevention Program Coordinator - Job description
Job Summary:
PCA is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-focused professional to serve as a Family Advocate & Prevention Coordinator. This dual-role position is ideal for an individual who is passionate about advocating for children and families while facilitating education and training opportunities within local school districts. This position will be responsible for organizing, supporting, and facilitating prevention and outreach efforts throughout the community. This position will also provide advocacy and supportive services to non-offending caregivers and children referred to the PCA's Evergreen Children's Advocacy Center for concerns related to suspected sexual abuse, physical abuse, witnessing violence, or other abuse-related trauma. This role is essential in ensuring a coordinated, trauma-informed response to child abuse investigations by working collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, the state's prosecuting attorney's office, medical professionals, mental health professionals, victim advocates, and other multidisciplinary team members involved in child abuse cases. In addition, this position will be cross-trained in other areas of PCA to support the organization's overall mission and team collaboration. Full Time $43,000-$51,000 Ideal Candidate:
This position combines office-based work, direct client interaction, community outreach, educational presentations, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and exceptional interpersonal skills when engaging with children, families, community partners, and fellow team members. The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting children and empowering them through safety education. They will be highly organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This individual is a proactive problem-solver who can work independently, take initiative, and follow tasks through to completion without requiring constant direction. Flexibility is essential, as schedules may occasionally need to be adjusted to meet the timely needs of children and families. The right candidate will be both self-motivated and team-oriented, willing to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities in support of the organization's mission and goals. This role requires the ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to organizational standards, policies, and best practices. A commitment to ongoing professional growth is expected, including participation in annual continuing education and professional development opportunities. Above all, the ideal candidate will be a warm, engaged, and dependable team member who communicates openly and effectively, actively participates in team meetings, and contributes positively to a collaborative and mission-driven workplace culture. Workplace Culture:
Our organization is built on collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to serving children and families. Because our work involves partnering with schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other community stakeholders, teamwork and relationship-building are essential to our success. Our team engages in regular communication throughout each day, including team meetings, case discussions, and collaborative problem-solving. Staff are expected to share information thoughtfully, communicate proactively about client needs, and work together to ensure families receive coordinated, high-quality support. We value team members who are forward-thinking, anticipate needs, and actively contribute ideas that strengthen our services and organizational impact. The nature of our work requires us to support one another as we navigate exposure to difficult and traumatic situations. We are committed to practicing trauma stewardship as a team, recognizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and mutual support. We strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where staff can process challenges, seek guidance, share perspectives, and learn from one another. Our culture values authenticity, accountability, and compassion. We believe that every team member brings unique strengths and experiences, and we foster an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. The ideal candidate will embrace collaboration, contribute positively to team dynamics, and share our commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and the well-being of both our clients and our colleagues. Qualifications:
Adherence to Criminal History Background checks and clearance Some college education or experience is preferred in the related fields of social work, psychology, or education Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, database and project management software Reliable transportation Willingness to complete 24 hours of victim advocacy training Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrate professional reliability and adherence to the office schedule that will require some flexibility on occasion Demonstrate knowledge of available community resources Case management and the ability to assess a victim's comprehensive needs Conducts oneself in a professional manner while maintaining respect, integrity, and compassion with clients, colleagues, and community partners Demonstrate efficiency in problem solving and critical thinking Excellent facilitation and or public speaking skills. Experience in facilitation within various group sizes or event management. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other staff Demonstrates a knowledge or commitment to work with underserved population or marginalized populations Demonstrates cultural competence, and the ability to work within a diverse and multicultural work environment Passion for continued education and growth mindset Foster a sense of belonging and ensure an environment where fellow employees, community partners, clients and students feel respected and valued for their unique traits and contributions Essential Job Functions:
Prevention Director:
Become a trained facilitator in prevention education trainings Monique Burr Foundation Schedule, prepare materials, train volunteers, and facilitate presentations in Newaygo and Lake County school districts. Host quarterly community prevention meetings Attend community events and collaborations as needed Assist with coordinating activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month Attend meetings and adhere to the Children Trust Michigan standards of prevention Child Advocacy Center Family Advocacy:
This position will provide advocacy and supportive services to non-offending caregivers and children who have been referred to the Children's Advocacy Center for suspected sexual or physical abuse, witnessing abuse, or other abuse-related trauma Additionally, this position will ensure a coordinated approach in the investigation of child abuse by working closely with law enforcement, child protective services, the state's attorney's office, medical professionals, mental health professionals, victim advocates, and other professionals who may be involved during the course of child abuse investigations Conduct introductory calls to non-offending caretakers and explain what to expect regarding the interview process Welcome clients into the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), complete the intake process with caregivers Provide, at minimum: crisis-intervention, emotional support, coordination of safety planning and case management throughout the life of the case Inform clients about our Victim Assistance Coordinator with the courts who will provide victim resources such as Victim Rights, Crime Victims Compensation as appropriate Educate caregivers about the dynamics and impact of child abuse, ways to support a child who experienced trauma, self-care for caregivers and the roles of the MDT members in their case Act as a liaison between the client and MDT, and other service agencies that may be involved Assess client needs utilizing a trauma-informed, strength-based approach, while honoring client autonomy and agency Connect clients with outside resources based on their unique needs Contribute to creating a safe, comfortable, and trauma-informed environment for families and the MDT Enter and maintain all case activities in case-management system and hard files, in accordance with agency policy and protocol Conduct and assess OMS surveys and follow-up calls Assist with collection of data for reports and case tracking Attend monthly MDT case review meetings Promote improved communication, coordination, and accountability across agency lines, facilitate healthy relationships between the MDT and work to resolve conflicts among team members when they arise All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner Adhere to all applicable laws, policies, standards and protocols Maintain strict confidentiality Light building maintenance and cleaning Answering phones as needed Event Set up / Take down during fundraisers Care Closet Appointments as needed Advocacy for all clients entering PCA Other tasks not listed, but supports PCA's mission, vision and culture PCA Mission To strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. PCA Vision We envision a community free of child abuse and neglect where children and families thrive. Values:
Accessibility:
We create a welcoming environment that is accessible to children and families who need us. Collaboration :
We partner with community partners to better serve our children and families. Sustainability :
We continue to leverage resources to sustain PCA's mission. Quality:
We establish quality programs by using evidence-based and best practices with measurable outcomes. Integrity:
We adhere to principles of integrity to build trust with clients, stakeholders, partners, and community members. Innovation:
We embrace change, using data and research, when it contributes to a healthier, safer world for children. PCA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Pay:
$43,000.00 - $51,000.00 per year Benefits:
Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Work Location:
In person
