Family Advocate

Description

Family Advocate – Crisis Intervention & Case Management

Project Harmony provides immediate, sensitive support to child abuse victims and non‑offending family members. We are one of the nation’s largest Child Advocacy Centers and are committed to ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. We celebrate difference, support employees, clients and community, and are an equal opportunity workplace.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Respect and embrace diversity and inclusion of all
• Strategic Innovation: Lead the field in response to evolving needs of children and families
• Quality Service: Ensure consistent, high‑quality service with impactful results to families, partner agencies, community and each other
• Collaborative Relationships: Build trusted relationships by leading with honesty, integrity, vulnerability and humility

Seeking an experienced, committed Family Advocate to provide crisis intervention, support and education to children and families served at Project Harmony’s Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

• Provide support and education to alleged victims of child abuse and family members
• Screen referrals for possible therapy options to Project Harmony’s mental health, Connections program or a community provider (maintain current list of treatment providers and resources for families)
• Provide referrals to and facilitate services to children and families through collaboration with treatment providers and other community partners
• Provide timely follow‑up to ensure a coordinated service delivery response
• Participate in investigative and/or treatment multidisciplinary teams as needed to provide status updates regarding family and other case information
• Conduct and review various mental/behavioral health screeners with youth and caregivers to determine treatment needs
• Provide immediate crisis intervention services with clients, caregivers and youth as needed
• Assess caregiver’s level of support for the child and identify other risk factors that may compromise protective abilities and/or require safety planning
• Collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services, law enforcement, medical professionals, forensic interviewers and mental health professionals throughout the investigation process
• Perform intake functions for referrals from law enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS), gather background information and coordinate scheduling of interviews and medical evaluations
• Enter accurate and timely documentation and information into Project Harmony databases
• Assist with coordination and tracking of CAC lead intakes, contact caregivers and professionals as needed; ensure coordinated response between law enforcement and CPS when scheduling forensic interviews and medical exams, track and report back to partners all follow‑up and services provided
• Ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation
• Other duties as assigned by Program Manager – Family Advocacy

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Human Services or related field
• Training and education in child abuse/neglect investigations and/or child welfare service system

• Previous experience in child welfare preferred
• Training and/or experience in crisis intervention
• Previous experience working with children
• Previous experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Good working knowledge of community resources and judicial system
• Knowledge and understanding of family violence and dynamics of child abuse and neglect
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate problem solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Good decision‑making skills
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Must respect and maintain confidentiality

• Must be willing to work flexible hours and provide on‑call coverage nights and weekends on a rotating basis
• Must submit to a thorough criminal history background check
• Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Position may involve some travel, primarily within the state

The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.