Family Advocate

Position: CAC Family Advocate

Reports to:

CAC Manager/Lead FI

Job Type: Full-time, (40-hours per week), with additional on call hours as assigned

Classification:
Hourly, non-exempt

Pay: $24.04/hr

Location:

Hybrid (in-person & remote) Alfred, ME with occasional travel to Cumberland County

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing free, confidential services to people impacted by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking since 1973. We are committed to being anti-racist, inclusive, and diverse across all levels of the organization. We seek to hire staff whose lived experiences and identities reflect the vibrant communities we serve.

SARSSM’s work spans intervention, prevention, and community engagement. Our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides multidisciplinary coordination and advocacy during criminal and/or child protective investigations of child sexual abuse.

SARSSM is an open union shop and is committed to positive, equitable employment practices.

• Generous paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) with employer match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Family Advocate works directly with the children and non-offending caregivers at the Children’s Advocacy Center of York County. Family Advocates coordinate intakes, referrals, and scheduling of forensic interviews all while ensuring that non-offending family members have the necessary resources to navigate the civil and criminal justice systems. Family Advocates also coordinate referrals for mental/medical health needs, support groups, and other community resources.

All SARSSM employees are Advocates. Staff are required to provide on-call coverage for the 24-hour crisis & support Helpline. Helpline duties include providing coverage for assigned shifts, on a rotation, with frequency of shifts dictated by staffing levels. SARSSM fully trains folks to fulfill these duties. Additional on-call pay rates apply.

• Serve as the point of contact for forensic interview referrals from Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the supportive care givers(s) to orient them to CACYC and explain CAC processes.
• Greet and establish rapport with the child victims and supportive caregiver(s) at the CACYC on the day of the interview.
• Coordinate information sharing with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
• Work collaboratively and effectively with MDT partners to facilitate team communication and efficiency.

• Provide needs assessment, safety planning & support for families through all stages of CAC involvement.
• Provide support for children and supportive caregivers(s) during the interview process in addition to assisting supportive caregivers(s) with referrals to multi-disciplinary partner agencies.
• Ensure the Family Room is appropriately ready to accommodate any special considerations that may need to be made for children or supportive caregiver(s).
• Conduct seven-day and thirty-day follow-up calls with all assisted clients at the CACYC.
• Provide referrals for mental health and specialized medical treatment.
• Facilitate access to transportation to interviews, court, treatment, and other case-related meetings.
• Understand & relay information related to legal processes, available resources and referrals.

• Document all client and supportive caregiver(s) referral information into EmpowerDB according to the CACYC requirements, as well as maintain accurate and current files and records.
• Ensure the Caregiver Follow Up Survey is offered at every 30-day call
• Ensure that OMS survey has been offered to 100% of all families who come to the CACYC and has been entered into the OMS Dashboard by the end of each month
• Participate in case reviews.
• Participate in MDT meetings.
• Provide case status updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Support NCA Accreditation efforts as determined by the CAC Manager/FI.
• Provide program support as determined by the CAC Manager/FI.

• Participate in agency events, including special events,…