Family Advocate

Cherish Child Advocacy Center; Carmel (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherish Child Advocacy Center in Carmel, Indiana is seeking a Family Advocate to support the forensic interviewing program. The role involves acting as a victim advocate in cases of child abuse, working with a multidisciplinary team to ensure a coordinated response and ongoing case management for affected families.

Responsibilities include pre- and post-interview support, direct advocacy, referrals, and compassionate, trauma-informed case handling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience in advocacy services, child abuse, or working with at-risk children.
• Strong communications skills in interpersonal, written, and multimedia
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide pre- and post-interview support on assigned cases within accreditation standards.
• Participate in Child Forensic Interviews as the Family Advocate.
• Provide regular support services to families: intakes, needs assessments, referrals, follow-up, and case management.
• Provide personal advocacy, emotional support, education, and referral to resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and work with a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Strong communication

Trauma-informed

Cross-agency collaboration

Experience with special needs

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Title:

Family Advocate

Reports To:

Executive Director

Classification/Benefits:

Full Time

Starting Pay Range:

$53,000 annually, based on experience and education

Position Description:

The Family Advocate supports the forensic interviewing program functions by serving as a victim advocate in cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and/or witness to crime. The Family Advocate works within a multi-disciplinary team to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive response to abuse allegations, participates in Case Review, provides support directly to victims and their families, and provides ongoing case management and care services as needed.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work within accreditation standards to provide all Cherish families with pre- and post-interview support on assigned cases.
• Participate in Child Forensic Interviews as the Family Advocate.
• Provide regular support services to families, including but not limited to conducting pre-calls, intakes, needs assessments, referrals, follow-up support, and case management.
• Provide personal advocacy, emotional support and education, and refer to resources.
• May include facilitation of peer support groups.
• Support assigned family cases with direct support throughout the life of the case
• Complete initial and ongoing training pertaining to victim advocacy in compliance with national standards and best practice.
• Maintain client satisfaction surveys for both victims and family members
• Collect and input data regarding client services into the CAC Case Tracking System in a timely manner.
• Participate in regularly scheduled Multidisciplinary Team meetings, monthly Case Review, case consultations, and other meetings as needed.
• Support multi-disciplinary team activities and case sensitive projects.
• Adhere to confidentiality policy.
• Maintain cross-cultural awareness in the performance of all responsibilities.
• All other responsibilities and duties as designated by the Cherish Center or added to the scope of responsibility for this position.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred; minimum of 5 years related experience in advocacy services, child abuse, or working with at risk children.

Training (may complete after hire):

• Core 40 Victim Advocate training
• Advocacy within a Child Advocacy Center
• Child Forensic Interview training
• minimum of 20 hrs of ongoing annual training

Skill Requirements:

• Strong communications skills in interpersonal, written, and multimedia vehicles.
• Compassionate, trauma-informed, and able to adjust quickly to meet client needs.
• Experience working with diverse professionals from child protection, law enforcement, legal, or other state/federal agencies is helpful.
• Experience with special needs individuals is preferred.

General Requirements:

• An upbeat, positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Must work well in a team atmosphere.
• Must pass all required background checks, drug testing, and be appropriate to work with child victims.
• The nature of work may generate some physical, mental, and visual demands.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization.
• Demonstrated interest and expertise in working effectively with clientele, staff, and the public.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.