Child and Adult Advocate

Position title: Child and Adult Advocate

Reports to: Director of Counseling and Prevention Education

Position classification: FT Non-Exempt Employee

Position status: At-Will

The Child and Adult Advocate provides support, safety planning, advocacy, and educational services to children and adults who have experienced family or intimate partner violence and/or abuse. The Child and Adult Advocate uses a victim defined, trauma informed approach which empowers clients with respect to their individual identity, age, culture, safety, priority of needs, and their right to self-determination. The advocate creates an atmosphere of cooperation and trust with children, adults, families and the agency, connecting clients to resources within Safe Futures and in the community to provide a coordinated support system.

• Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all client and agency information.
• Complete intake, collect demographic data and conduct a safety and risk assessment for clients. Establish short and long-term goals as well as a realistic timeframe in which the goals will be reached.
• Help clients create, implement, review and update individual and family safety plan(s) including planning for leaving, for staying and for long range safety planning.
• Advocate, collaborate, and coordinate services for clients and their families within Safe Futures and the community.
• Assist in implementation of Camp HOPE/Pathways, Kids Club, and other evidence based/social emotional programs and activities for children and their families/guardians.
• Identify and prioritize basic educational and parenting needs with clients and with their children.
• Advocate for and support parents and students in accessing childcare, education services, assist in school enrollment and secure transportation.
• Provide information and support based upon best practices in parenting, child development, psychoeducation, client defined advocacy, and trauma informed services.
• Provide parents, caregivers, and children with information about the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse.
• Provide information for parents and guardians, and unaccompanied youth about the rights of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
• Participate in Safe Futures bi-weekly case management meetings to monitor progress, identify challenges and potential solutions.
• Promote a spirit of sensitivity, cooperation, trust and hope within Safe Futures as a whole.
• Collaborate with program staff within the agency to ensure a cohesive intersection of services to clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or early childhood development preferred.
• Experience working with children and addressing their social emotional learning needs.
• Demonstration of strong writing, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with organizations and community partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Familiarity with Understanding Motivational Interviewing.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.
• Ability to drive to clients in numerous locations throughout Southeast CT.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with databases.
• Ability to become domestic violence and CPR/First Aid Certified and maintain annual re-certification.