Child Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of a Child Advocate is to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment that fosters the physical, emotional, social, personal, creative, and language development of the children under their care.

The Child Advocate must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate. They should be mature, reputable individuals who exercise sound judgment and are capable of providing good care for children. Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of experience working with children in a day‑care or residential setting.

A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and proof of insurance are required. Child Advocates must also be able to pass required background screening, physical, and TB screening.

The Child Advocate position offers a set schedule that will be determined with the employee prior to the start date. Child Advocates are required to work every other weekend to ensure staffing for 24/7 care.

This position includes day‑to‑day care of the children in the program, including but not limited to:

• Reading, understanding, and implementing all agency policies approved by the Board of Directors
• Providing a safe and non‑judgmental environment for the children and families under licensing regulations identified by the Division of Social Services
• Providing a positive and successful environment for the children and families at Isabel's House
• Maintaining appropriate child‑to‑staff ratios at all times
• Preparing for shift work (e.g., reading files, logs, and checking the mailbox)
• Maintaining a healthy environment and supervising personal hygiene of children
• Managing children's activities and leisure time
• Assisting children with homework and activities
• Applying agency‑approved discipline and guidance policies and techniques for the children at Isabel's House
• Utilizing service plans and behavior plans developed by the House Manager and/or families
• Advocating to address the needs of the children
• Accurately completing required documentation for all children's records
• Engaging in overall care of the house, including housekeeping and laundry, and maintaining appropriate documentation
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times and adhering to HIPAA guidelines
• Transporting children to and from school and/or activities
• Answering phones and the door when needed
• Assisting in donations and inventory processes
• Assisting with well‑child examinations

• Maintaining healthy professional adult behavior with children, families, co‑workers, and volunteers at all times
• Using sound judgment at all times
• Communicating effectively with all team members (written, oral, electronic)
• Role‑modeling healthy professional adult behavior and providing social guidance
• Providing appropriate guidance and management techniques for children
• Working under pressure and being flexible in a fast‑paced environment
• Working as a team player
• Problem‑solving under pressure and multitasking
• Displaying creativity and initiative

• Completing agency‑required training on an annual and on‑going basis, including attending mandatory trainings
• Attending regularly scheduled team meetings
• Working effectively with volunteers

• Lifting children weighing up to 50 pounds
• Health risks associated with daily contact with children
• Working every other weekend
• Working other shifts as necessary