Child Advocate

Child Advocate

Reports to: Children's Program Coordinator

Classification: Full Time Non-Exempt

Organization Overview: Turning Point, Inc. in Mount Clemens, MI is a non‑profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc. empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, advocacy/counseling, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24‑hour hotline, personal protection order assistance and legal advocacy, community education, and systems change.

Position Summary: The Child Advocate is responsible for providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, childcare, and activities to children and families in the shelter. The Child Advocate must have experience in providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; knowledge of the impact of the violence on children; and understanding of women and children in shelter and the effect of being in shelter on their lives.

Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. Must successfully complete Turning Point’s CORE training.

Supervision Responsibilities: This position has no supervision responsibilities.

Required Knowledge: The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor‑centered, trauma‑informed, and advocacy‑based interventions with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking that are rooted in anti‑oppression values and the empowerment model. Specific knowledge in housing, crisis intervention, trauma‑informed practices, lethality assessments, group facilitation, and safety planning are desired, as are demonstrated success building teams, collaborating with peers, and solving problems.

Candidates must also have knowledge of advocacy with survivors in various systems including healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge about victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and loved ones. The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills. As our free, confidential services are inclusive and accessible to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of individuals who identify as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with all survivors and understand the unique barriers that survivors with intersecting oppressed identities will encounter.

Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent is preferred or 3 years’ experience in a related field.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy.
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics.
• Uphold Children’s Program’s mission statement, philosophy and ideals while dealing with clients to provide a safe, comfortable, caring environment that focuses on the needs, and safety of the child.
• Help child complete schoolwork and education planning while in shelter.
• Provide childcare and recreation activities while parents attend in‑shelter groups.
• Create & provide activities to strengthen life skills, encourage expression and social interaction for children and between family members.
• Educate and model alternatives to violence as a means of solving problems for mother and child(ren).
• Provide families with information on domestic and sexual violence and help them develop a safety plan.
• Follow Turning Point’s policy on reporting suspected/witnessed abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services.
• Assist in updating and maintaining an accurate children’s resources/referrals manual.
• Supervise children on and provide transportation for field trips.
• Act as an advocate to parent and staff on behalf of the child.
• Gather materials, coordinate activities/childcare and clean up afterward during shifts and special events.
• Assist with…