Advocate - Engagement & Initiation Phase

Children & Family Advocacy Center; Little Flock (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Children & Family Advocacy Center (CFAC) is seeking an Advocate – Engagement & Initiation Phase. This role acts as the first connection for families entering CFAC services, guiding them through the process, identifying needs, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a smooth start to services.

The position emphasizes trauma-informed advocacy, crisis support, and careful documentation, with opportunities to collaborate across medical, counseling, law enforcement, and child welfare

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience with trauma-informed services and crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, emotional support, crisis intervention, and needs assessment for children and families.
• Serve as the primary advocacy connection during initial engagement with CFAC and explain available services.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Documentation

Spanish (bonus)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

ARBest databases

Job description

At the CFAC, we are dedicated to improving the lives of women, children and families who have experienced trauma. We provide a safe, trauma-informed environment where all can access the support, resources, and advocacy they need to begin healing. Our mission is to ensure that every child, woman and family has the opportunity to heal, thrive, and succeed.

We are seeking a passionate and compassionate Advocate – Engagement & Initiation Phase to join our team. In this role, you will serve as an important first point of connection for children and families entering services at the CFAC. You will help families understand what to expect, identify immediate needs, navigate the initial response process, and connect with the appropriate services and resources. You will provide support before, during, and after the forensic interview while working closely with our multidisciplinary team to ensure families feel informed, supported, and connected throughout their initial experience with the CFAC.

Responsibilities Could Include

Direct Support:

Provide trauma-informed advocacy, emotional support, crisis intervention, and needs assessment for children and families. Build trusting relationships with non-offending caregivers while helping families understand the CFAC process and identify immediate needs.

Initial Engagement:

Serve as the primary advocacy connection for families during their initial involvement with the CFAC. Complete initial contacts, explain available services, identify barriers to participation, and help families understand their options and next steps.

Forensic Interview Support:

Prepare families for the forensic interview process and provide advocacy before, during, and after the interview. Help caregivers understand what to expect, provide emotional support, and identify follow-up needs or referrals.

Resource Coordination & Advocacy:

Connect children and families with appropriate CFAC programs and community resources based on identified needs. Provide education regarding the impact of trauma, mental health services, medical services, and other available supports.

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration:

Serve as a liaison between the family and members of the multidisciplinary team. Coordinate with medical providers, counselors, law enforcement, prosecutors, child welfare, and other partners as needed to support a coordinated response.

Documentation:

Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of client contacts, needs assessments, referrals, service coordination, and required outcome data. Maintain complete records and ensure required information is entered into ARBest and other CFAC databases.

Follow-Up & Availability:

Provide appropriate follow-up with families to support continued engagement in services and ensure identified needs are addressed. Provide services during regular office hours and participate in assigned on-call rotations, responding to new referrals and helping initiate services for newly referred families.

• Note this position's hours: Monday through Friday: 7 am to 4 pm

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience working with children and families in child advocacy, victim services, social services, behavioral health, domestic violence, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, child development, family systems, and community resources.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize competing responsibilities, and respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Strong documentation skills with a commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practice.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Why Join Us?!

• You can be a part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development through training, mentorship, and continuing education.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• A supportive work environment that values teamwork, innovation, compassion, and trauma-informed care.

The CFAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees!

Join us in helping women, children and families move from crisis toward healing, stability, and hope. We look forward to hearing from you!