Child and Youth Victim Services Advocate

Position Title:

Child and Youth Victim Services Advocate

Classification:  Integrated PC1 and Victim Services Worker

Grid:  12

Program:  Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Reports to:

Counselling, Child and Youth Services Manager

Job Summary
Provides services and information to children and youth victims of abuse, assisting them to navigate the criminal justice, child welfare, medical, education, mental health and other systems. Works to ensure that young victims of crime are given the opportunities to address the effects of the crimes committed against them. Makes referrals to the most appropriate worker and/or services.

The Child and Youth Victim Services Advocate implements direct services to children and youth at the Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

Education, Training and Experience

A diploma in the social services field

Two years recent related experience including supervisory or volunteer management experience

Or equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of child development, family systems, impact of trauma on children and youth, the criminal justice, health and child welfare systems

Knowledge of relevant legislation including Victims of Crime Act, Child, Family, Community Services Act, Personal Information Privacy Act, and Infants Act.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills with complex cases and good professional judgement.

Proven intake and needs assessment skills.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary case management teams.

Strong cultural competency and socially inclusive practice.

A high level of tact, diplomacy and professionalism.

A high level of discretion and adherence to privacy legislation and policy.

Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office and database systems.

Understanding of and demonstrated skills and ability to work from a feminist perspective.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
A. Client Service

Provides trauma-informed response and direct service to child and youth victims of crime including assessment of needs and navigation of child welfare, health and other related systems. Uses professional judgement to assess immediate needs in order to provide emotional and practical support to children and youth exposed to abuse, violence and trauma.

Works closely with internal stakeholders and referring agencies to coordinate service for victims of abuse. Ensures that victims are connected to the appropriate child and youth focused services.

Provides navigation of the criminal justice, family law, health, child welfare and other systems. Provides structured analysis and interpretation of justice and family law processes in order to support informed decision-making, advocacy and service planning for clients and families.

Provides court preparation, accompaniment and support, including prolonged attendance at court proceedings requiring sustained attention and restricted movement for extended periods of time.

Ensures victims are informed of their rights under the Victims of Crime Act and other relevant legislation. Advocates for service and information as necessary. Maintains ongoing exposure to highly sensitive, traumatic and emotionally intense information as child and youth victims recount experiences of abuse, violence and victimization.

Supports clients with applications to Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) funding.

Completes risk assessments and supports clients to engage in personalized safety planning.

Assists to eliminate barriers to service by advocating with community service providers and government services. Facilitates the flow of communication between service providers and the client.

Provides emergency response support where needed, as requested by the Program Manager.

Develops and maintains positive, therapeutic relationships with clients.

Accountable for the quality and accuracy of services provided, recognizing that errors may negatively impact clients, relationships with external partners, and the reputation and credibility of the Society and the Child…