Child & Family Advocate

Client Services 

Provide supportive services to children and their families (as appropriate) who have been sexually victimized, including crisis intervention, support groups, case management, information and referrals, and advocacy with allied professionals. 

In conjunction with Client Services Director, assess clients for therapy with SARA and/or referral to other community resources. 

Review, evaluate, and identify gaps in services to ensure effective response to the needs of children and their families. 

Develop action plans as needed to increase services to children. 

Community Outreach and Systems Advocacy 

Maintain a positive, professional communication flow with individual allied professionals as appropriate regarding response to children. 

Establish and nurture relationships with allied professionals and community organizations serving the community and specifically those who work with children who have experienced sexual violence. 

Monitor the local systems’ response to child sexual victimization. 

Contribute to on-going community-driven initiatives in each of SARA’s service areas to address the needs of children who have been sexually victimized.  

Participate in interagency collaborative councils/multi-disciplinary teams in order to help foster community systems that promote offender accountability and intolerance to sexual violence and to develop systems of safety, security, and support for children and their families who are attempting to heal and rebuild their lives. 

Support the Prevention Education program staff in addressing disclosures by children and identifying any needed follow up and resources for school personnel. 

Work with other agency staff to develop and implement community awareness activities addressing child sexual victimization. 

Work with other SARA programs to contribute to and support outreach and educational efforts on the impact of child sexual victimization, effective response, and available community resources. 

Crisis Intervention: 

Provide crisis intervention, support and referral services on the hotline as needed throughout the day, in collaboration with the rest of the staff. 

Participate in on-call rotation to advocate for crisis clients in the Emergency Department. This includes day-time availability and on-call hours from 5 pm – 9 am. 

Other Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Document activities in VAdata. 
• Prepare reports and grant reports to Client Services Director. 
• Pursue professional development opportunities as needed. 
• Participate in staff meetings. 
• Collaborate with staff on collective projects. 
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Client Services Director or Executive Director. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to issues of sexual violence. 
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in crisis intervention, support groups, and case management. 
• Knowledge of community resources. 
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written communications. 
• Demonstrated computer skills. 
• The ability to work cooperatively with different personalities and individuals of diverse racial/economic/cultural backgrounds. 
• Spanish speaking a plus. 

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and/or two years of relevant working experience preferred. 

This position may include occasional evening and weekend hours. Employee must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Employee must submit to a criminal and child abuse background check at least every three years and must demonstrate proof of legal ability to work in the United States. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required. 

Disclaimer - This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents may be required to perform other duties as assigned.