CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE

Remedies Renewing Lives; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401K

Paid time off

Job summary

Remedies Renewing Lives in Rockford, IL seeks a Children’s Advocate to join a multidisciplinary team delivering residential and non-residential domestic violence services for child survivors. The role emphasizes empowerment-based, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches and collaboration with families and staff.

You will support the 24-hour hotline and shelter services, develop individualized service plans, and coordinate counseling and advocacy for children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work or related field required
• One-year full-time experience providing professional counseling, advocacy, and/or case management with children preferred

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and evaluates programs for children
• Provides individual and group counseling, referrals and advocacy for children
• Completes intake forms and develops service plans with parents/children
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to agency policies and mission
• Presents information to community about remedies programs and topics like teen dating violence

Skills

Case file management

Counseling skills

Crisis intervention

Empathy and advocacy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Remedies is always looking for motivated and passionate individuals to join our team and help make a difference in our community.

JOB TITLE: CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: SENIOR CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT

POSITION SUMMARY:

Participates in the activities of a multidisciplinary team engaged in the delivery of residential and non-residential domestic violence program services. Utilizes an empowerment-based, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach in providing services to child survivors of domestic violence. Participates in the formulation and implementation of individual client goal plans and individualized services to child victims of domestic violence. Supports the Agency 24-hour domestic violence hotline and shelter services as necessary and/or requested. Works under the supervision of the Senior Children’s Advocate.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates programs and services that address the unique needs of children
• Provides individual counseling, group counseling, referrals and advocacy for children.
• Assesses the needs of children, completing intake forms and developing service plans with parent and/or child
• Communicates with staff on specific needs of children
• Supports adult survivors in strengthening parent-child bond and supporting their children’s needs
• Plans and facilitates recreational and educational activities for children and families
• Aids in data collection as needed
• Adheres to funding requirements
• Attends all staff meetings. Participates in all other programs, agency and community meetings and trainings as requested or assigned
• Maintains a working relationship with staff, clients and community agencies
• Provides public information and education on topics such as teen dating violence, effects of domestic violence on children, and Remedies programs to the community as assigned
• Frequent written and verbal communications with clients/survivors, referral sources and other employees as appropriate
• Performs all job functions consistent with confidentiality regulations, ethical practices and Agency polices and mission
• Presents and maintains a professional image in dress, behavior, and work habits
• Promotes a positive and pleasant attitude conducive to the workplace that enhances and furthers the Mission, Vision and Values Statement
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to prepare and maintain effective case files
• Ability to participate in and successfully complete a comprehensive training program
• Ability to provide sincere interest necessary to work with client population
• Ability to engage potential clientele and/or maintain current clients in services by providing support and encouragement
• Must acquire and apply the skills necessary for empathetic and empowering counseling/advocacy/crisis intervention techniques and methods
• Possess high physical and emotional energy needed to handle the array of circumstances that may arise
• Basic computer skills
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with survivors, staff, other service providers, and the public

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work or related field required

EXPERIENCE:

• One-year full-time experience providing professional counseling, advocacy, and/or case management with children preferred

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:

Completion of the 40-hour domestic violence training as required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) from an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) approved training site. This training will be provided by Remedies Renewing Lives to new employees who have not yet completed the training.

COMPENSATION:

$21.28/HOUR

BENEFITS

Full-time employees are eligible for benefits insurance on the first of the month after 30 days of employment.Benefits include medical, dental and 401K participation. We also offer an accrual of 4 weeks of paid time off per year.There is an annual discretionary bonus given as well after completing 1 year of service. Full-time employees are also eligible for short/long term disability and term life insurance.

Remedies Renewing Lives provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Remedies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Remedies expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Remedies’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.