Children's Advocate

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate group activities for children at risk for child abuse and neglect


• Provide individual and group activities to meet the psychosocial needs of the children in the shelter


• Supervise staff and volunteers working in the areas dedicated for children


• Serve as an advocate in the community on behalf of children under the age of 18


• Provide children’s resource plans for all children residing in the shelter.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in child development or related field


• Minimum of two years experience working with high-risk children

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

1. Knowledge of child development, age appropriate expectations, parenting, and non-violent


2. Skill in crisis intervention and short-term advocacy


3. Knowledge of community resources and skill in using resources to benefit children and mothers.


4. Ability to organize a program of activities for children and supervise


5. Awareness of psychological and physical symptoms in the area of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and developmental problems as well as issues, laws, and treatment of these.


6. Knowledge of effects of domestic violence on children.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND TASKS:

1. Facilitate group activities for children identified as at risk of child abuse and


2. Provide crisis intervention and short-term advocacy services to child residents at the shelter.


3. Assist in enrollment of children in shelter in an appropriate school within three school  days of


4. Suggest activities to mothers and volunteers that will meet the developmental needs of the children: Areas to be addressed are age-appropriate expectations, parenting skills, methods of non-violent discipline and individual problem


5. Make appropriate referrals for specific needs and make reports to authorities of any case of suspected child abuse or neglect.


6. Serve as a liaison between Wings of Hope, DHS, public schools, and parents.


7. Maintain the upkeep and safety of shelter and areas dedicated for children. Includes assessing equipment needs and soliciting


8. Maintain supplies, such as baby food, formula, diapers, clothing, high chairs, cribs,


9. Maintain safety and welfare of children in the playrooms, playground and outside the shelter or children’s center while they participate in organized activities sponsored by Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services.


10. Supervise volunteers and staff members working in the children’s


11. Maintain accurate records for clients including but not limited to the following: intake information; case notes; contacts, admissions.


12. Maintain accurate statistical information required by Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services.


13. Facilitate children’s' advocacy portion of volunteer training and other training as


14. Complete children's intakes within five working days of admission to shelter.


15. Conduct workshops on the effects of domestic violence on children for community groups as requested.


16. Serve as a Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services liaison with other community agencies providing services to


17. Attend scheduled staff meetings and required in-service


18. Contribute to an atmosphere of teamwork within the


19. Know and act in accordance with the Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services Policies and Procedures Manual in job related


20. Promote a positive and professional image of Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services


21. Complete additional tasks deemed appropriate for this position by the Executive


22. Provide crisis intervention services via the crisis line for those requesting this


23. Provide initial assessment and face-to-face crisis intervention services for those seeking admission into the shelter.