Directions YOUTH CLIENT Advocate

Schedule is Tuesday through Saturday 12pm-8pmStarting pay is $15 hourly

Must have child care experience

Responsibilities

Must plan activities for children in residential setting.

Responsible for initiating school programs and maintaining them throughout the school year.

Answer crisis hotline and provide crisis services.

Must provide groups for children using age-appropriate topics related to the effects of DVSA on children and based on established best practices.

Must complete assessments for children within five business days of entry into residential services.

Responsible for attending all conferences, in-service training, and workshops to increase knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault issues, and legal issues as they relate to the field: with an emphasis on child related issues.

Must adhere to all policy, procedure, and operations manuals.

Maintain a clean, safe, and protected play area for children that is welcoming.

During school hours if children are not in shelter, provide parenting support and workshops for parents around child related issues.

Make referrals to community agencies and programs when applicable to include written documentation of such services.

Provide linkage and advocacy with the local school system to provide for education needs.

Provide advocacy with other community systems as needed.

Ensure a safety plan that is appropriate with respect to the child or adolescent’s age, development, and education.

Maintain all necessary paperwork to perform duties as a client advocate and youth advocate, including documentation in client files, crisis logs, administrative paperwork, and all messages incoming and outgoing for clients.

Assist with educational workshops in schools to increase awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking issues for youth/teens.

Responsible for completing the required minimum number of training hours per year (24 hours/full-time; 12 hours/part-time).Other duties as required by program needs.

Competencies Understands and applies the agency policies and procedures (i.e. dress code and appearance, adherence to work schedules, completion of trainings, etc.).Punctually attends meetings and trainings. Completes assigned trainings in adequate time frames and obtains the minimum number of training hours required within the calendar year.

Demonstrates dependability by consistently working scheduled shifts and following proper procedures when unable to work scheduled shifts.

Displays cultural competency by valuing the fundamental rights, dignity, and self-worth of all people including respecting age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

Interacts with others in a professional manner and effectively navigates interpersonal differences. Maintains appropriate boundaries with supervisors, colleagues, and clients.

Demonstrates the ability to consult or seek supervision regarding concerns or issues and communicates effectively with colleagues and clients.

Displays professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.

Identifies potential safety issues and takes measures to reduce risks and protect clients and staff.

Understanding of trauma-informed services and sensitivity to the unique circumstances to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Build rapport with parents and work with them in addressing their parenting needs. Understand and apply basic child and adolescent development principles.

Demonstrates ability to adapt, facilitate, and evaluate activities for youth based on developmental needs. Interacts with youth in a way that promotes skill-building. Facilitates a minimum of one group per quarter in a community or…