Youth and Family Advocate
Safer Futures, Domestic Violence Services, Portage County
Full-Time, 40 Hours/Week
$38,5000/Year
Schedule: Includes some evenings, weekends and on call
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: This position provides direct services to children whose parent(s) receive(d) shelter and/or services. This position provides supportive services for transitional age youth who receive(d) shelter and/or services.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention and empowerment options, emotional support and advocacy to/for children currently and formerly in shelter.
2. Ensure all children over the age of 5 have discussed an age-appropriate safety plan.
3. Complete intakes on children in shelter within 48 hours and enter information into the data management system.
4. Complete information required by funders for youth-based programming, send completed reporting information to Assistant Director, and enter information into the data management system.
5. Organize, conduct and supervise children’s support group(s).
6. Coordinate childcare as needed with parent’s permission and in coordination with Assistant Director and/or Director.
7. Plan and implement age-appropriate children’s activities and outings with parent’s permission.
8. Ensure children have a balance of age-appropriate activities including homework, crafts, exercise and group to help reduce stress and create a daily routine.
9. Provide for the health, safety and welfare of the children who are receiving services. This includes referring children, when necessary, to health screenings, counseling or other services.
10. Ensure adequate and appropriate toys and games are available for children and that they are maintained in good working order. Oversee the cleaning and sterilizing of children’s playroom including toys.
11. Develop educational programming for children housed in the shelter.
12. Work with schools as needed to ensure children have access to tutors and programs for which they qualify, including free lunch. Assist parent(s) in arranging transportation with school-of-origin.
13. Coordinate training and supervise program volunteers.
14. Develop and enforce children’s house rules in an appropriate manner.
15. Maintain relationships with community partners.
16. Represent children’s programming at Family and Children’s First Council, trauma informed care sub-committee and/or others as instructed.
17. Create and coordinate community-based trainings around dating violence, child abuse prevention, and child/youth specific needs and dynamics related to DV, IPV, HT, and SA.
18. Attend staff meetings, participate in service training, related professional training as instructed by the Assistant Director and/or Director.
19. Report suspected child abuse to supervisor immediately.
20. Comply with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements, and educational/certification/registry requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Strong understanding of child development and effective and appropriate behavior management techniques.
2. Excellent organization and multi-tasking skills.
3. Ability to model open communication, fair and equitable treatment, and management of conflicts.
4. Ability to work as a team member.
5. Experience in utilizing community resources.
6. Ability to work in a stressful/crisis-oriented environment.
7. Ability to work with people of differing backgrounds.
8. Flexibility and compassion in working with families in crisis as well as volunteers.
9. Ability to become First Aid and CPR certified.
10. Valid Ohio Driver’s License and ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability.
11. Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal background check (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation).
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: Degree in early childhood education, social work, counseling or related field preferred.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence as well as experience working with children and teens preferred.