OVERVIEW

The Child Services Specialist will provide all aspects of child advocacy for The Grace Center. Child advocacy includes the provision of social services and assistance to the children of clients, and improving the social and psychological functioning of children and their families to maximize the family's well-being.

QUALIFICATIONS

Enjoys working with children. Bachelor's level degree in social services, child development & family studies, sociology, psychology required, or 3 years' work experience working in childcare, or a social service agency preferred. Data entry skills are necessary. Must be self-motivated, self-confident, results-oriented, and maintain high moral and ethical standards. Must understand the dynamics of interpersonal violence and other related issues.

Child Advocate Direct Care Duties:

Complete a comprehensive intake and safety planning on all children/families within 72hours of shelter entry. Oversee and facilitate daily childcare activities. Provide Childcare. Create daily schedule for child friendly activities. Plan and facilitate child-focused special events, including holidays and birthdays. Develop working relationships with community resources related to children. Upon terminating or exiting services, work with children to develop a safety plan Be available for client intakes, hot-line calls, transportation, and other direct services as needed.

Child Advocate Non-Direct Care Duties:

Assist with scheduling outside appointments, school enrollment and maintain working relationship with school personnel. Maintain children's files. Attend and contribute to weekly staffing meeting. Collect, organize, and distribute donation items to children and parents as needed. Maintain order and cleanliness in the playroom and children's storage closet. Responsible for inventory of new children-related donations and storing new and slightly used child-focused donations upstairs or in the children's storage closet. Serve as one of the agency's designated DFPS Liaisons. Work closely with other staff to provide continuity of care. Coordinate activities with children's program volunteers and assist with activities as needed. Data entry for services in client database, and provide monthly Child Services Report; Responsible for meeting grant deliverables. Accompany adult parents and/or children to child-focused appointments when needed. Other duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or the Executive Director.

Other Qualifications:

Ability to read, write and converse in English. Ability to read, write and converse in Spanish preferred. Ability to remain calm under stress and have the emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations. Must be able to work well with others in a team environment. Ability to multi-task, respond to telephones, written correspondence, and other auditory and visual stimulation. Must be able to tolerate sitting or standing. Must be capable of using computers, telephones, cell phones, shredders, and facsimile machines. Must possess a current Texas driver's license and have a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements:

To perform the job, a person must have the ability to do the following physical actions: Frequently sit (25% to 80% of the time) Frequently stand (10% to 60% of the time) Frequently walk (10% to 40% of the time) from 5-30 feet within the office. Frequently lift and carry an average of 5 to 20 pounds and occasionally as much as 40 to 70 pounds or more. Items to be lifted or carried might include boxes or files, copy paper supplies, materials, donations, etc. Most items will be carried by hand. Most items must be lifted to knee or waist level, some items lifted to chest level and only a few items overhead. Frequently push and pull objects to open and close file drawers, occasionally move items around the office such as a box of copy paper or computer paper, occasionally a small piece of furniture, the office chair, the vacuum cleaner, etc. Occasionally bend and kneel to file, retrieve items, etc. Occasionally twisting or rotating upper trunk to right or left while sitting or standing. Occasionally place arms above, at, and below shoulder height to reach. Frequently climb stairs or inclined surfaces. Environmental Conditions Frequently requires going outside during hot or cold temperatures or wet conditions to work with clients or prepare for special events. Frequently requires going outside during evening and night hours. May work alone at times. May have cramped work quarters depending on availability of office space. Appearance Neat. Professional. Must reflect as a proper representation of The Grace Center. Adherence to the Philosophy of The Grace Center Employees must demonstrate knowledge of and performance in accordance with the philosophy of compassion, caring, and respect for the welfare and dignity of others. Must display a non-judgmental acceptance of all clients/volunteers/staff/coworkers. Establish and maintain good rapport in working relationships. Display appropriate and consistent positive attitude. Remain composed during stressful situations. Mission The mission of the Grace Center is to provide services that break the cycle of domestic violence, giving individuals hope and healing. Vision The vision of the Grace Center is to provide support and services for individuals impacted by domestic violence. Guiding Values Treating others with generosity and kindness. Treating others with respect, high esteem, and dignity. Demonstrate ownership and accountability while delivering extraordinary care. Treat all who cross our paths with compassion and an extraordinary caring heart. Commit to excellence by constant evaluation and improvement to the service we provide. The Grace Center Client Dignity Standard Every person receiving services from The Grace Center will be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their behavior, decisions, circumstances, or level of progress.

Pay:

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person