Children's Advocate - Grove Campus

The SAFE Alliance; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Short-term disability

Life insurance

Paid time off

8 holidays

Personal holidays

403(b) retirement plan with company 1%

Benefit plans start after 30 days

Job summary

The SAFE Alliance seeks a Children’s Advocate to work full-time in our Residential & Support Services Program within the Children’s Services department. The role focuses on planning therapeutic, educational, social, and recreational activities for children at our shelters and housing programs.

We emphasize advocacy for social, emotional, and educational needs, with travel between campuses as needed. The position is non-remote, with hours typically 9am–5pm, and some evenings/weekends may be

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• Knowledge of child development, family relations and services in the Austin area.
• Ability to respond constructively in crisis situations with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to drive and travel between campuses as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement therapeutic, educational, social, and recreational programming for children during out-of-school hours.
• Provide support and advocacy to children residing in SAFE's Family Shelter, Community Shelter, and Supportive Housing program.
• Advocate for the social, emotional, and educational needs of children and collaborate with families and staff.

Skills

Advocacy

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, Child Development, or related field

Equivalent years of professional-level relevant experience accepted

Job description

SAFE Alliance seeks a Children's Advocate for the Residential & Support Services Program in the Children's Services department. The Children's Advocate will assist in providing support and advocacy to assigned clients residing in SAFE's Family Shelter, Community Shelter, and Supportive Housing program. They will plan and implement therapeutic, educational, social, and recreational programming to children during out of school hours using a client and family focused approach. They will advocate for the social, emotional and educational needs of children.

The SAFE Alliance exists to stop abuse for everyone by serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. We are dedicated to ending violence through prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and communities that have been affected by abuse.

Over the past two years, SAFE has served 11,397 clients across our programs. During that time, SAFE reached more than 50,000 community members through over 2,000 trainings, provided more than 150,000 nights and days of shelter and housing support, and delivered over 53,000 crisis intervention and advocacy services through our 24/7 hotline, walk-in advocacy, and direct support programs.

No matter what your role at SAFE Alliance you will make a difference, because together we can Stop Abuse For Everyone.

We are looking for one person to work on a full-time, non-exempt basis for an hourly salary of $21.00 to $22.48 dependent upon experience. The work location will be based at our Grove Blvd. Campus in the East Austin area. This position will include some travel in the community or between campuses with no ability for remote/hybrid work. The shift currently available is traditional hours of 9am to 5pm however, flexible hours outside of 9am to 5pm may be needed occasionally (examples: 1-2 evenings a week may be required, occasional hours on weekends or during out of school times).

Perks and Benefits of Working at SAFE Alliance*:

• Employee Only: Health insurance, short-term disability, and life insurance are employer paid with an option to purchase additional dependent coverage.
• Eligibility for Paid time off accruals of up to 15 days a year prorated based on hire date and hours worked.
• 8 standard paid holidays throughout the year.
• Depending on your date of hire, up to 4 Personal Holidays are granted to use at your preference throughout the year.
• A comprehensive voluntary benefits plan that includes dental, vision, flexible spending, and various insurance programs including pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an ability to contribute immediately. You can earn an employer match of 100% up to 1% of your pay and a discretionary contribution of 2% of your pay whether you contribute to the Plan, after one year of eligible service.
• SAFE Alliance benefit plans are effective the first day of the month following thirty days of continuous employment.

*Benefit plans and benefit start dates are prorated based on date of hire and hours worked. Eligibility in employer paid benefits, paid time off and holidays are dependent upon full-time employment status and/or hours worked and may be subject to change.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Preference of 1 year of experience working with children and a high preference for applicants that have worked in a residential program, with homeless youth, or children that have experienced violence/abuse.
• Equivalent years of professional-level relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree.
• Knowledge of parenting skills, child development, family relations, and the network of children's services in the Austin area.
• Knowledge of and the ability to identify child abuse and neglect and to respond appropriately.
• Ability to respond in a constructive, supportive manner to children, women, and men in a crisis situation; sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, attitudes, and languages.
• Ability to work as a team member, providing support as well as constructive feedback in interpersonal interactions.
• Be capable of sitting or standing for extended periods of time, as well as be able to intermittently push, pull, or lift 50 lbs. of force.
• Residential Programs are currently operating at multiple sites and advocate's work will entail a mixture of virtual, in-person, and remote work.
• This position will work face to face with clients.
• This position requires driving. You must have a valid, State of Texas Driver's License (If in possession of an out-of-state license, obtain a State of Texas Driver's License within 90 days of beginning employment.) AND at least three (3) consecutive years of driving experience OR one (1) year of driving experience if over 27 years of age AND an acceptable driving record that covers at least the last three years of driver history.
• This position requires completion of the 40-Hour Office of Attorney General Sexual Assault Advocacy Training Program in person within six (6) months of starting employment, along with participating in annual continuing education throughout your employment.
• Pass all required criminal history background checks (including an FBI fingerprint check if applicable), as well as a pre-employment drug screen and TB test, if applicable.
• All employees are required to comply with policies regarding COVID-19, which may be subject to change. COVID vaccines are still highly recommended, and we encourage employees to get vaccinated if they are able.