Trauma-Informed Child Advocate

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Kotzebue (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Maniilaq Association is seeking a Client Advocate for the Child Advocacy Center in Kotzebue, Alaska. The advocate provides on-site support, escorts children, and works with caregivers and the MDT during investigations of child abuse.

The role includes crisis management, case planning, referrals, and education for non-offending caregivers, with travel across the region and strict confidentiality.”

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; two years of human services experience or an Associate’s Degree in human services.
• Two years of employment or volunteer work with children is highly desired.
• Knowledge and skills in Internet usage and Microsoft Office software.

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 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 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 CACs to research current trends and improve services.
• 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 and update case files.
• Educate regional professionals, residents, and in-house staff on the importance of advocacy for child victims and promote participation in training.
• Travel throughout the region to provide advocacy to clients and family members.
• Ability to work with children and clients of all ages who have experienced trauma.
• Must possess knowledge of Internet usage and Microsoft Office software.

Skills

Internet usage

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s Degree in human services

Tools

National Children Alliance database

Job description

Maniilaq Association is seeking a Client Advocate for the Child Advocacy Center in Kotzebue, Alaska. The advocate provides on-site support, escorts children, and works with caregivers and the MDT during investigations of child abuse.

The role includes crisis management, case planning, referrals, and education for non-offending caregivers, with travel across the region and strict confidentiality.”