Client Advocate

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Kotzebue (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Maniilaq Association seeks a Client Advocate for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to support children and families who experienced abuse. The advocate reports to the CAC Program Manager and will work with the MDT to coordinate advocacy and services throughout investigations.

The role requires travel across the region, maintaining confidentiality, and delivering age-appropriate guidance while coordinating with other agencies to improve CAC operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher and in the human services field.
• Two years of employment or volunteer work with children is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site immediate support, advocacy, and follow up for CAC clients and families.
• Meet with the child and escort them upon arrival and introduce clients to MDT members.
• Explain the CAC and MDT process to non-offending caregivers and address questions.

Skills

Confidentiality

Internet usage

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s Degree in human services

Job description

Maniilaq Association isa P.L. 93-638 Native/Indian Preference/EEO Employer

Program: Child Advocacy Center Status: Non-Exempt

Housing Priority: None Covered: Yes

BCU: Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly and culturally appropriate center for the investigation of child sexual abuse. The Client Advocate must be willing to work with children and families that have experienced physical or sexual abuse. Reports directly to the Child Advocacy Center Program Manager.

PRINCIPLES DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide on-site immediate support, advocacy, and follow up for clients and families who come through the CAC
• Meet with the child and escort upon arrival at the CAC and introduce clients to the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) members.
• Provide support to escort/non-offending caregiver while child is being interviewed
• Explain the CAC and MDT process to the non-offending caregiver and answer questions, address caregiver immediate concerns, and facilitate understanding between the caregiver and other team members when necessary.
• Develop a case-specific advocacy/support plan that includes crisis management and contacts, plan for advocate coordination with other MDT members as appropriate to minimize stress on the caregiver and child and assure MDT members have child/family information relevant to their roles.
• Provide age-appropriate (based on child) education, guidance and recommendations for caregiver and others who will be interacting with the child during the criminal justice process.
• Facilitate referrals for services and assistance as needed throughout the duration of the investigation and criminal justice process.
• Educate non-offending caregivers and others (and extended family members when appropriate) regarding the dynamics of child sexual abuse and the impact of sexual abuse on the child to improve support for the child.
• Collaborate with other agencies currently operating Child Advocacy Centers to research current trends in CAC operations and make recommendations for improvement of services to program director.
• Maintain case file documentation on all advocate activities.
• Provide input on MDT discussions regarding individual children and families during the investigation and criminal justice process.
• Document all work for statistical data reports. Enter and maintain advocacy data in National Children Alliance data base and update case files.
• Educate regional professionals, residents, and in-house staff on the importance of advocacy for child victims, the role of the advocate and promote participation in professional training that will increase understanding of the impact of sexual abuse and other victimization on children..
• Travel throughout the region to provide advocacy to clients and family members.
• Ability to work with children and clients of all ages that have experienced trauma such as physical or sexual abuse.
• Must possess knowledge and skills in Internet usage and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently in small planes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

High school diploma, two years of human services experience or an Associate’s Degree in human services field. Two years of employment or volunteer work with children of a variety of age levels is highly desired.

Other Job Information (if applicable)

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet the physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these conditions.