Family Advocate
Kid’s Place – A Child Advocacy Center
Kid’s Place is the Child Advocacy Center serving the 22nd Judicial District including Giles, Lawrence, Maury, and Wayne Counties in Tennessee. The mission of Kid’s Place is to provide hope, help, and healing to children and families impacted by sexual and severe child abuse.
Position Description:
The Family Advocate is responsible for providing comprehensive, coordinated advocacy and support services to children and their non-offending caregivers when there are allegations of child sexual abuse and/or severe physical abuse. The Family Advocate will be involved in coordinating intervention services that have been recommended by Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) members, identifying any barriers that may prevent the family from receiving services, and advocating for immediate service implementation. Advocates will be present when children and families are at the Center and will serve to provide on-going support and information throughout the investigative process, court process, and treatment options. The Family Advocate will monitor and maintain the case logistics and tracking of all cases at the CAC.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Position:
Duties and responsibilities include, but may not be limited to the following:
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality, professional ethics, and boundaries;
• Establish contact with non-offending caregivers and provide information and ongoing support for victims and families through the forensic interview and investigative process, including education about the dynamics of abuse and involvement by Child Protective Investigative Team members;
• Provide information and education to non-offending caregivers about victim’s right and crime victim’s compensation;
• Perform crisis and safety assessments of the family, and assist with safety planning for the alleged child victim and family;
• Assist the family in securing resources and/or services recommended by the team, including trauma-focused, evidence supported mental health services, forensic medical exams, community resources, food, hygiene items, etc.;
• Provide court support and education to the child and family, and attend court proceeding with the child and family when requested by the family or the law enforcement officer assigned to work with the family;
• Maintain and update case records and case information in the agency database, NCAtrak;
• Attend case review meetings and follow recommendations of the Team;
• Remains current with professional literature on child abuse issues;
• Assists with community education and professional training on child abuse prevention, CAC operations and protocol;
• Other duties as specified by the Executive Director.
Education and experience:
A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a human service field is preferred. Three years of professional experience working directly with children is required. Previous experience in law enforcement, social work, mental health, and/ or experience as a trainer/educator is preferred. Specialized and on-going training will be provided.
Knowledge, skill, and abilities:
Knowledge, skill, and abilities for this position include, but are not limited to the following:
• Ability to work as team player with CAC staff members;
• Ability to work in a professional manner with members of many other agencies;
• Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and/or neglect;
• Knowledge of the stages of child development;
• Knowledge of community resources;
• Skills in providing crisis intervention services to families;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the outcomes related to the provision related to families who accept advocacy services as compared to family’s who may not;
• Must have outstanding oral and written communication skills;
• Must have proficient computer skills and ability to maintain current documentation in the agency database, NCAtrak;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the community’s resources for families and barriers that prevent families receiving prompt and/or immediate service;
• Sensitivity to cultural responsiveness;
Other requirements for employment:
Person in this position must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and must pass an extensive criminal background check.
Work schedule:
The person in this position will be required to work flexible hours based on the needs of
Kid’s Place. The schedule will be set by the Executive Director, and will reflect a minimum of a 37.5-hour work week. Travel between Kid’s Place locations is expected.
