The mission of the Child Advocacy Center is to respond to child abuse through a team approach designed to reduce trauma, seek justice, and provide hope and healing for children and their families. The Child Advocacy Center serves 17 counties in Southeast Nebraska. The main office is in Lincoln, and satellite offices are located in Auburn and York.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The role of the Child Advocate is to provide immediate and ongoing support to children and families in crisis throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Welcomes, Supports and Engages the Child and Non-Offending Caregiver
The Child Advocate is responsible for welcoming the child and non-offending family members to the Child Advocacy Center and creating a safe and supportive environment that is free of judgment. The Child Advocate typically conducts a pre-interview phone call to the non-offending caregiver to ease their anxieties and answers any questions or concerns. Once the family arrives at the CAC, the Child Advocate provides the child(ren) with an initial tour and orientation. Must speak fluent Spanish.
Welcomes, Supports and Engages the Child and Non-Offending Caregiver
The Child Advocate provides immediate emotional support to the child and non-offending caregiver(s) during a time of crisis by providing on-site advocacy during a forensic interview or medical evaluation conducted at the Child Advocacy. The Child Advocate works with the non-offending caregiver(s) to identify their most urgent needs for themselves and their families and to assist in helping to find resources to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and safety.
Through direct follow-up the Child Advocate regularly monitors the safety of the child and reports any concerns to the investigating officer or caseworker should the support of the non-offending caregiver be diminished or the child’s safety compromised. The Child Advocate also provides immediate and ongoing education to the non-offending caregiver(s) on the dynamics of abuse and the coordinated multidisciplinary response. The Child Advocate assists the non-offending caregiver(s) to rebuild a safe and stable home by providing access to trauma focused, evidence based mental health treatment and other services such as protection orders, housing, public assistance, domestic violence intervention and transportation.
The Child Advocate provides timely updates to the child and non-offending caregiver(s) on the status of the investigation and prosecution and seeks answers to their questions or concerns. The Child Advocate provides information regarding the rights of crime victims to the child and their non-offending caregiver(s) including information about crime victim’s compensation.
The Child Advocate responds to after-hour forensic interview requests and local area hospitals and provides on-site advocacy and support to the child victim and non-offending caregiver(s).
Updates Case Tracking System and Statistical Data
The Child Advocate updates the case tracking system with documentation that is fact-based, clear, concise and timely. The Child Advocate also updates statistics needed to provide accurate data to funders.
Provides Outcome Measurement System (OMS) for Ongoing Program Evaluation
The Child Advocate plays a critical role in ongoing program evaluation by providing the non-offending caregiver(s) the opportunity to provide feedback through our Outcome Measurement System (OMS).
Responds to General Information Telephone Calls and Community Referrals
The Child Advocate provides information and referrals to the general community who contact the Child Advocacy Center with concerns of possible abuse or neglect.
Criminal Justice Advocacy and Support
The Child Advocate works closely with the members of the multidisciplinary team to stay current on the investigation and prosecution of the case and share any concerns or needs identified by the child victim or non-offending caregiver(s). The Child Advocate helps the non-offending caregiver(s) secure transportation to interviews, court, treatment and other case-related meetings. The Child Advocate accompanies child and non-offending caregiver(s) when necessary, to legal proceedings and meetings associated with the prosecution of the case, provide Court School and support the child throughout the court process, including sentencing and assisting with a Victim Impact Statement.
Working as Part of Multidisciplinary Team
The Child Advocate must foster open and positive relationships with law enforcement, NDHHS Children and Family Services, the prosecuting attorney, and other team members while promoting best practices for child abuse investigation, prosecution and treatment The Child Advocate actively participates in regular case review.
Ongoing Professional Development
As part of the onboarding process, the Child Advocacy Center will provide the Child Advocate a minimum of 24 hours of initial instruction as outlined in the National Children’s Alliance Standards. The Child Advocate must demonstrate participation in ongoing education in the field of victim advocacy and child maltreatment consisting of a minimum of 8 contact hours every 2 years.
Leadership and Collaboration
Leadership exists within all levels of our organization. We expect the Child Advocate to ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families we serve without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation. We also expect the Child Advocate to read and comply with the policies and procedures of the Child Advocacy Center and take a leadership role in making sure other staff do the same. The Child Advocate must promote a positive image of the Child Advocacy Center in the community and participate in special events and fundraising efforts.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The employee customarily and routinely exercises independent discretion and judgment in the performance of his or her duties and supervises volunteers and interns as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, criminal justice or related field is required.
Experience
Two years of professional experience working with children and families who have either experienced or witnessed trauma is required. Previous professional experience in working with the criminal justice or child welfare system and as a member of a multidisciplinary team is preferred.
OTHER
Must speak fluent Spanish. Exempt employees must be able to work flexible hours and to be on-call for emergency situations. Evening and weekend hours are routinely required. All employees must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and provide proof of insurance. The position does involve travel throughout Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska. All employees must submit to a criminal history background check prior to being hired and annually at the time of their performance evaluation.
REVISED
December 2021
This job description is meant to describe the general nature and duties that may be required of this position within the Child Advocacy Center. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with this job. Nothing in this job description restricts your supervisor’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. All employment relationships at the Child Advocacy Center are of an at-will nature and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.