Family Advocate Specialist I​/II​/III

Victim Advocacy Center, 4473 S 1st St, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Under general direction of the Division Manager – Child Advocacy Center, provides crisis intervention and support services to child abuse victims and non-offending caregivers. This position coordinates mental health services and provides information about the criminal and civil law systems.

This position exercises no supervision over staff.

Responsible for providing crisis intervention, crisis stabilization, and support services to victims of child abuse and non-offending caregivers. Creates a psychologically and physically safe environment that is sensitive to a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Administer standardized diagnostic assessments to inform individualized treatment planning. Conduct comprehensive evaluations of client risk factors and collaborate with multidisciplinary team partners to develop and implement safety plans.

Collaborate with CAC Victim Services Specialists to ensure comprehensive services are established for clients. Provide oversight of quality assurance processes for advocacy-related data entry. Collect, evaluate, and analyze data to identify client needs and measure the effectiveness of services provided.

Respond to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) after-hours for emergency cases for advocacy or crisis intervention services.

Coordinate services with law enforcement, DFPS, District Attorney’s Office, Hendrick Medical Center, and other community agencies. Function as a liaison between members of the multidisciplinary team. Obtain case information from interagency partners and document information into the case tracking system.

Function as a liaison and coordinate services with the CAC Mental Health Counselor and Regional Victim Crisis Center.

Assist with the completion of CAC intake paperwork and the crime victim compensation applications and assist with grant paperwork and report submissions.

Provide court preparation and support for victims in the advocate role.

Conduct regular follow-up calls to non-offending caregivers to provide support, information, and referrals until criminal and civil cases are closed.

Participate in ongoing training as it relates to child abuse, criminal investigations, child protective services, advocacy, community resources, legal system, forensic interviewing, volunteer coordination, and city values. Apply current research relevant to advocacy.

Respond to community members who make inquiries, provide tours of the CAC, manage donations, and maintain storage areas.

Participate in community awareness activities as scheduled.

Routinely drive a personal vehicle for court preparation and meetings with interagency partners. Drive a rental vehicle for out-of-town trainings, meetings, or court hearings.

Assist with site visits, accreditation process, and protocol revision.

Conduct community awareness presentations throughout the year.

Apply for grants and submit reports as requested.

Create agendas as requested, present reports, and participate in CAC Board meetings as requested.

Submit background check requests for board members, and volunteers.

Assume Site Administrator role for the case tracking system, monitor accuracy of data, and provide ongoing training to CAC staff.

Assist with a strategic plan and monitor progress.

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Community resources for families in need, vicarious trauma, child abuse and its impact on family dynamics, and child development.

Child Advocacy Center/Multidisciplinary Team Model, role of interagency partners, and laws and statutes related to child abuse and joint investigations.

Mental Health advocacy and assessment.

Grant applications and reports.

Skill to:

Maintain a high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive information and situations.

Communicate professionally orally and in writing.

Actively listen, analyze details, assess…