Child Advocate

Child Advocate

Residential/Shelter

Galveston, Texas

Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Schedule: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00am to 8:00pm

JOB SUMMARY

The Child Advocate is dedicated to providing support and advocacy to the children of survivors of domestic violence who are residing in the Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County, Inc. (RCCGC) emergency shelter. The advocate will motivate and encourage children in age-appropriate activities in coordination with school calendar and with operational needs of the shelter. The advocate will work with the case manager assigned to each family to assure that the shelter is a safe, welcoming refuge for children and their families.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop age-appropriate activities for children in shelter and engage children in those activities.

• Assist child clients in learning safety techniques.
• Assist parent with child enrollment into school, including supplies and clothing if needed.
• Assist school-age children with homework assignments.
• Facilitate educational programs that include anger management, conflict resolution, and emotional awareness education.
• Maintain children’s play areas, to include inside and outside play areas.
• Works with supervisor to ensure the child calendar of activities is followed and if necessary, supplies are maintained to hold such activities.

• Conduct weekly inventory to ensure availability of necessary materials for weekly children’s activities.

• Direct concerns regarding children to their family’s case manager and/or Client Service Manager.
• Assure shelter operates in an orderly manner and is safe and welcoming for all residents.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the RCC team to ensure the most up-to-date information and appropriate follow-up for clients.
• Assist survivors with arranging for transportation to and from appointments.
• Assist in answering calls received over the hotline.
• Maintain all records including service delivery records, advocacy plans and other documentation per confidentiality guidelines.
• Complete required documentation and enter data into client database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain daily guest communications log, and document changes in policies/procedures.
• Initiate and help plan special shelter events.
• Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, or agency/community events as directed.
• Assist other staff with direct service responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORK SCHEDULE

Schedule: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00am to 8:00pm.  Forty (40) hours per week, with shift scheduling as discussed with the department manager, including rotating weekend coverage as may be needed from time-to-time.  Inclement weather shifts may be required.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to operate various office machines and/or equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to speak and hear clearly. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift approximately 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job. include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job which is primarily an office environment.

SUPERVISOR AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position reports to the Client Services Manager. There are no direct reports to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum three (3) years of work experience in social services, daycare, or a related childcare field. Work experience must closely align with the essential job functions listed above.
• High School diploma or GED certification.
• Must have active and valid state-issued driver license in good standing.
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).
• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Commitment to supporting and empowering victims of crime and advocating against violence and sexual violence in our community and our society.
• Must be able to establish rapport with others and always maintain healthy boundaries.
• Must be able to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff. 

• Must be able to weigh and evaluate personal needs, client needs and the aims and policies of RCCGC, and to respond and negotiate these competing needs as appropriate.

• Must be able to remain calm and supportive in psychological emergencies and/or crises.
• Must be polite, compassionate, courteous, and tactful with the public, victims, their families, law enforcement and other agency staff.

• Must have an enhanced level of self-awareness around how he or she relates to others and an ability to effectively modify this personal style as conditions warrant.
• Knowledge, experience, and demonstration of skill in any or all of the following: crisis intervention; hotline and emergency response; victim’s rights and available services; domestic violence; sexual violence; law enforcement and court procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with trauma theory and working with survivors of trauma.

BENEFITS

Attractive compensation and benefits including Vacation paid time off and Sick paid time off, other paid time off, retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision and life insurance.