Child Advocate

RUTH’S COTTAGE CHILD ADVOCATE

Full-time

COMPENSATION

Hourly, Non-Exempt with Benefits – Flexible

Hourly Rate Range:  $15.00 – $19.00

General Job Description

Promotes the safety and well-being of children and their families while they are participating in services with RCPCH. Interact with families to establish needs and required services to address all child development, health, nutrition, and educational needs. Proactively develops, assesses, and maintains up-to-date case plans that accurately reflect the child/children and families’ circumstances to address life skills, parenting, or any other related needs. Coordinates interagency services as needed. Employed by the Assistant Director but reports to the Shelter Manager for guidance, supervision, and evaluation.

Qualifications for Position

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Minimum Two-year college degree in social work/Early Childhood Development and previous work experience with children.
  • Possess a passion and enjoyment for children.
  • Basic knowledge of childhood ages and stages of development.
  • Knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on families.
  • Must be able available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call situations.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population of children and parents.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and self-starter.
  • Ability to plan enriching and entertaining activities.
  • Professional demeanor – possess the ability to manage a variety of situations in a calm, professional, and courteous manner.
  • CPR and First Aid Certification, including infant CPR
  • Valid Georgia driver’s license and dependable transportation.

*Primary Job Responsibilities*

  • Report for appointed shift on time or arrange for absence as per policies.
  • Answer and properly document all telephone and/or crisis calls.
  • Maintain client, shelter, and program security.
  • Protect confidentiality of client information and shelter location as per policies and Georgia statutes.
  • Assure that clients’ files and records are complete and filed properly at the end of each day, that confidentiality of client files is maintained, and that client records and files do not leave the premises.
  • Document all client, volunteer and/or shelter-related incidents as per policies.
  • Conduct full assessment interviews with victims to determine situation and needs.
  • Develop a “Plan of Progress” goal with each client.
  • Manage assigned caseload for comprehensive case management for program clients.
  • Build collaborative relationships with other agencies for the benefit of clients.
  • Organize and participate in recreational activities and outings, such as games and field trips.
  • Treat shelter guests with respect, dignity, and empathy.
  • Monitor cases weekly for progress, maintain complete, accurate client records.
  • Implement direct services, assistance, and referrals for service per case plans.
  • Provide age-appropriate weekly peer support groups for child guests.
  • Communicate with children’s parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
  • Provide parenting/educational groups for parents.
  • Maintain required documentation of client information as required by RCPCH policies.
  • Compile data for monthly statistical reporting and submit to shelter manager within established guidelines.
  • Maintain knowledge of current policies, laws, trend and developments in domestic violence work and child advocacy.
  • Submit weekly activity logs, itineraries, etc., to shelter manager.
  • Plan bi-monthly parent/child activities.
  • Develop a core curriculum of group activities that focuses on building self-esteem, healthy relationships, safety planning, etc.
  • Maintain a safe play environment including sanitizing toys and play equipment, organizing toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas.
  • Meet weekly with shelter manager for supervision and case review.
  • Respond, when possible, to requests for child advocacy support from The Patticake House, Sexual Assault Program Staff, and/or law enforcement.
  • Interface with appropriate agencies for program development and client intervention.
  • Recommend program changes, updates, policies needed, etc. to shelter manager.
  • Attend all staff in-service trainings; attend external continuing education workshops as needed and/or requested by shelter manager.
  • Attend all staff meetings.
  • Participate in RCPCH outreach activities/events.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

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