Child and Family Advocate

About the role

The Child and Family Advocate in the Kids-TALK Program provides direct services to children and families seen at the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center. This position contributes to the mission of the Children's Advocacy Center by offering advocacy, crisis support, and referral services to child victims of abuse and neglect and their non-offending families and caretakers. The Advocate ensures all aspects of the Kids-TALK program meet its mission while staying in compliance with required reporting agencies, monitors timely handling of referrals, and ensures accurate and timely submission of all required data.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy, crisis support, and referral services to child victims of abuse and neglect and their non-offending families.
• Ensure compliance with required reporting agencies and program mission.
• Monitor referrals to ensure timely handling and accurate data submission.
• Engage children 17 and under and their families from diverse ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Develop and maintain a strong resource network.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, human service professionals, and the court system.
• Assess and intervene within complex family and community systems.
• Handle crisis situations appropriately.
• Travel frequently between Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field.
• One (1) year of experience working with abused/neglected children and their families is highly preferred; priority given to candidates with additional experience.
• Working knowledge of the dynamics of child maltreatment, trauma, and child development.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Children’s Protective Services/Foster Care Services, and/or the courts.
• Ability to engage children 17 and under and their families from diverse backgrounds.
• Training and experience in working with multidisciplinary teams (preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a strong commitment to customer service.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse professional groups.
• MDHHS Central Registry and background check clearance.
• Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record.

Skills

• Nonjudgmental approach reflecting cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse family experiences.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with other providers.
• Flexibility, patience, and creativity in handling complex situations.
• Computer proficiency.

Pay

This position is classified as salary grade 105. Hourly rates start at $23.82. The estimated salary varies based on a candidate's transferable work experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Affordable medical plans.
• Employer-paid dental, vision, and long-term disability.
• 401(K) with employer contribution.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays.

Schedule

Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required based on client and partner needs.