Yellowstone Valley Child Advocacy Center Advocate

RiverStone Health has served the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years as an essential provider of personal and public health services. With a mission centered on Health, Education, Leadership, and Protection (HELP), RiverStone Health delivers medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services such as immunizations, WIC, health promotion, and restaurant inspections; and education for the next generation of health professionals. Guided by principles of access, affordability, compassion, and quality, RiverStone Health improves life, health, and safety for all communities served.

About the role

The Advocate works within the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to provide trauma-informed support to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or exposure to violence, as well as their non-offending caregivers. As the first point of contact for families arriving for a child forensic interview, the Advocate helps create a safe, welcoming environment during what is often an overwhelming experience. The Advocate serves as the family’s guide, ensuring they understand each step, connecting them with resources, and providing ongoing emotional support to lay the foundation for long-term healing and resilience. The role also involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary professionals to promote effective communication, coordinated services, and the best possible outcomes for child victims.

Responsibilities

• Greet the child and caregiver upon arrival at the CAC; assist with intake, build rapport, and prepare the child for the forensic interview.
• Assess the unique needs of each child victim to ensure the CAC response is sensitive to their individual needs.
• Meet with non-offending caregivers during the forensic interview to assess family needs and provide support.
• Provide referrals and coordination for mental health services, medical services, or other community resources.
• Assist families with access to services such as protective orders, housing, public assistance, domestic violence intervention, and transportation.
• Educate non-offending caregivers on child sexual abuse or serious physical abuse, the criminal process, Crime Victim Compensation, and common behaviors of children who have experienced abuse.
• Screen youth for at-risk behavioral health needs and refer to treatment.
• Collaborate with Child Protective Services workers, provide updates, and maintain a strong understanding of their system and mandatory reporting rules.
• Attend child medical evaluations and court proceedings as appropriate.
• Maintain ongoing communication with non-offending caregivers, providing updates on case progress.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the Yellowstone County Attorney Victim Witness Coordinator and community service providers.
• Understand and implement National Children’s Alliance standards for victim advocacy.
• Input advocacy contact and service data into approved online databases for accreditation and billing.
• Participate in monthly Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and case reviews.
• Represent the agency at community events to build and maintain a positive agency image and relations.
• Assist in distributing surveys as part of accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance.
• Work to expand the Behavioral Health support network within RiverStone Health and the community.
• Assist the Child Advocacy Center Coordinator with special projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support RiverStone Health’s mission and goals.

Case Manager Services

• Design, prepare, distribute, and evaluate health education and promotion materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids.
• Promote RiverStone Health programs to eligible individuals.
• Provide patient guidance on financial assistance and additional RiverStone Health services to ensure clients receive a full array of available services.
• Review and submit program bills for services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with tribal and other local providers, agencies, and organizations.
• Collaborate with tribal and local agencies to determine community health needs and service availability.
• Maintain databases, mailing lists, and contact information to facilitate ongoing communication of RiverStone Health programs.
• Produce, maintain, and submit regular statistics and program reports for grant and other reporting requirements.
• Represent RiverStone Health by attending, developing, and presenting health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, committees, boards, conferences, and school or community presentations.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay current on principles, practices, and new developments in the program field.
• Provide program information by preparing and presenting press releases, conducting media campaigns, or maintaining program-related websites.
• Develop, conduct, or coordinate health needs assessments and surveys.
• Develop operational plans and policies to achieve program objectives and services.
• Participate in and provide audit data.
• Assist in the development of annual work plans and quality improvement projects.
• Respond to communications in a courteous and timely manner.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in social services (minimum requirement).
• Two or more years of experience in social services or public health field.
• Any combination of experience and training providing trauma-informed care to children and families.
• Valid Montana driver’s license.
• On-the-job training in emergency preparedness (ICS 100, 200, and 700).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a social services-related field.
• Experience working with underserved populations.
• Experience working in a customer service environment.

Skills

• Self-starter with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.
• Non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive work environment.
• Ability to perform job duties with integrity and innovation to ensure completion and high quality.
• Understanding of and adherence to required administrative policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure efficiencies and quality customer service.
• Ability to relate to and motivate diverse members of the community.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations, businesses, health providers, and other applicable individuals.
• Knowledge of program development, promotion, marketing, education, and media communications.

Customer Service Excellence

• Doing things right the first time.
• Making people feel welcome.
• Showing respect for each customer.
• Anticipating customer needs and concerns.
• Keeping customers informed.
• Helping and going the extra mile.
• Responding quickly.
• Protecting privacy and confidentiality.
• Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette.
• Taking responsibility for handling complaints.
• Being professional.
• Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Extended periods of sitting and computer work in an office setting.
• Occasional work in the community with other agencies.
• Occasional lifting of items over 5 lbs.
• Ability to travel to outside facilities to meet with referral agencies using a personal vehicle.
• Expected to drive in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Create and maintain a safe and secure working environment by adhering to safety, security, and health requirements.
• Integrate injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending necessary training and implementing best practices.

Pay

$26.40 - $32.15 hourly

Schedule

Monday-Friday; 8am to 5pm