Job Title:

Child Advocate Type of Staff:

Full-time (non-exempt) Sunday-Thursday, 10 am- 7 pm

Staff Supervisor:

The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter Executive and/or

Program Director General Description:

Under the supervision of the Operational Advocate/Program Director, the Child Advocate will provide client services in accordance with The ARK and Texas Department of Human Services policies and procedures. This position will network and coordinate with other agencies, organizations, and institutions in the tri-county service area.

Essential Job Functions:

Position primarily works 80% on Domestic Violence and approximately 20% on Sexual Assault services.

• Receive crisis calls.
• Complete intake, orientation, and exit interviews.
• Conduct consistent counseling and referral program for the children of families residing at The ARK.
• Document casework activities on a timely basis.
• Complete forms and maintain records as necessary for client files.
• Provide parents with materials on parenting skills.
• Assist children with educational needs, link to the school system, and provide groups twice a week.
• Perform direct service activities, including providing transportation for clients.
• Organize and preside over children's activities, group sessions, and parties.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
• Be designated on-call staff as scheduled in the on-call rotation.
• Carry out other programs and tasks as assigned by Executive and/or Program Director.
• Have a working knowledge of Texas laws pertaining to family violence, as well as the justice system's response to domestic violence.
• Be familiar with legal services, resources, and procedures available to victims in each county where services are provided.
• Assist child shelter residents and non-residents in safety planning and re-evaluation of the safety plan as part of an individual service plan.
• Identify, in coordination with Legal Advocate, legal rights and options as part of individual service plans.
• Promote public exposure of the shelter through active media contact.
• Assist the Community Educator with prevention and educational sessions/presentations for children and teen groups.
• Any other duties as seen necessary by Program Director and/or Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License
• Must pass background check with no criminal history of assault or domestic violence
• Must pass the background check with the DFPS Central Registry with no criminal history of assault or violence against children.
• Prefer bilingual Spanish/English abilities
• Desire to provide direct advocacy services to victims
• Must have excellent communication, self-direction, and organizational skills
• Qualified applicants should have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Bachelor's degree is preferred in human services or a related field
• Work experience in same or related field maybe substituted on a year-by-year basis

Screenable Job Requirements:

A. Willingness to train in areas of family violence and The ARK policies and procedures B. Ability to provide own transportation C. Willingness to perform tasks outside job description D. Must have outgoing personality and direct contact skills with clients, staff and public

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person