Purpose: The purpose of the child advocate is to serve, support, and advocate for children living in our Safe House. This person will plan and facilitate social-emotional learning, peaceful conflict resolution, mindfulness, and self-regulation tools for children exposed to domestic violence. They will be responsible for advocacy, case management, and supportive services for child residents.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for the Children’s Program After School Program Daily (2-6 p.m.), which serves all school-aged residents (varying ages at one time). Responsible for meeting with mothers and children as soon as possible after intake to assess immediate needs, school plans, and other long-term plans. Work collaboratively with the supervisor on developing and implementing program goals. Adapt and further plan the curriculum for our After-School program using SEE Learning (Emory University), meditation (CBCT Emory University), mindfulness, and peaceful conflict resolution resources. Teach/ Model non-violent communication and behavior. Facilitate activities modeling age-appropriate calm down strategies, coping skills, and self-regulation tools to school-aged children Plan engaging activities for children that model our social-emotional curriculum Plan outings for children that are both fun and expose them to positive future building/thinking. Develop individual case plans per child, assessing needs, planning self-regulation tools, and tracking progression. Offer educational and supportive services to children who have witnessed domestic violence. Offer educational tools and supportive services to parents about the effects of domestic violence on children. Facilitate parenting groups at the shelter. Input all services provided, service plans, and activities with children into Caseworthy during the child’s residential stay. Supervise and lead volunteers/ interns working in the Children’s Program. Plan ongoing training for Children’s Program volunteers Work with volunteers to plan and coordinate structured activities for the children and ensure that the children are provided with recreational and enrichment activities on a regular basis.
Work flexible schedules to accommodate the needs of the Children’s program, including some evenings and weekends. Plan family events for families living in the Safe House Assist in transporting children to events Advocate for children and family needs to staff and community partners Develop community partnerships that facilitate services for children served residentially. Accompany children and parents to service providers when necessary to include but not limited to: Medical, health department, etc. Legal, court services, etc School or daycare enrollment, teacher conferences, etc Financial, Department of Family and Children Services, etc Outings, holiday celebrations, cultural events, etc. Maintain accurate records and statistics for services provided. Develop necessary forms for record keeping. Complete an exit summary with the children with evaluation of services and safety planning when age appropriate.
Keep the resource file updated on services available for children.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of child development; experience working with children and youth. Experience or background in social-emotional curriculums for children preferred. Passionate about working with children exposed to trauma
- Based on program needs, you must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Clean driving record and a valid driver’s license Knowledge of crisis intervention, risk assessment, referrals, community outreach, and family advocacy.
- Ability to work collaboratively and compassionately with others, including parents, team members, community partners, and volunteers Strong initiative
