Family Advocate - Wise County

Position Title: Family Advocate

Reports to: Family Advocacy Supervisor

Classification: Non-exempt, full-time

Location: Wise County

Definition:

This position consists of case management and advocacy with families that are involved in investigations of severe child abuse. The person filling this position must possess a working knowledge of:

• Social service agencies and support services in the area
• Crisis intervention
• Needs assessments
• Multi-disciplinary teams and child abuse investigations

And demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate well
• Strong organizational skills
• Professional demeanor, strong professional ethics and ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Composure in high stress situations

Duties:

• Provide consistent follow up with clients, often as a liaison between families and partner agencies
• Conduct crisis case management and intensive case management, as appropriate
• Educate families on criminal and/or civil process in relation to child abuse
• Assist clients in completing applications for Texas Crime Victim’s Compensation Benefits
• Provide information and referrals to clients of the Advocacy Center, including therapy
• Coordinate, or provide assistance with, direct service seasonal assistance programs
• Accompany families to court hearings and CPS Family Team Meetings, as appropriate
• Document all services provided to clients according to agency requirements and guidelines
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate resource materials for client waiting/activity and information areas
• Ensure maintenance of food/clothing pantry
• Participate in team activities including multidisciplinary case reviews
• Participate in trainings, continuing education, and victim advocacy peer review
• Attend community meetings and interface with professionals in the field of child abuse and social services
• Participate in the On-Call rotation, requiring after-hours and holiday availability
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field
• At least 1 year victim advocacy/case management related experience
• Training (licenses and certifications):  Must be willing to be trained and receive ongoing training and peer review in the field of victim advocacy, trainings may require travel
• Bilingual in English/Spanish, preferred
• Experience working with law enforcement, CPS, DA’s Office, preferred
• Experience working with children and families and knowledge of child abuse issues, preferred