Lead Childrens Advocate

The following is a summary of the essential functions of the job. The employee may perform other duties, both essential and non-essential, that are not mentioned below and specific responsibilities may vary.

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Therapeutic Program Supervisor, the Lead Childrens Advocate will provide one on one interaction with children and parents, as well as group facilitation for children and adolescents. This position requires use of various evidence-based curriculums and psychoeducational materials related to domestic violence. The Lead Childrens Advocate acts as an ambassador for Human Options and provides presentations, training, and program updates related to domestic violence and children. The Lead Childrens Advocate will be required to work evenings and weekends, as needed. and assist in agency events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule the Childrens Program activities and curriculum implementation for both Emergency Shelter and Second Step childrens program groups.

• Models coordination and facilitation of childrens group.

• Communicate with staff and clients to identify child-care availability times for clients to meet with staff members, attend groups, etc.

• Provides on-site oversight of the childrens group process, utilizing a structured and positive approach.

• Lead recruitment and onboarding of Childrens Program staff and interns through college and volunteer outreach.

• Maintain open communication with interns and staff to assess on-going training and professional development needs of childrens program staff.

• Train interns and new staff to:

• Implement children and adolescent evidence-based curriculums such as Incredible Years, AWBW, and Safe Dates.

• Integrate social and emotional education about decision-making, feelings and self-esteem.

• Integrate physical relaxation and self-calming techniques as appropriate into the curriculum.

• Conduct intakes and orient parent and children to group process and services available through Children Program (therapy referrals, school assistance, tutoring, parent coaching, parenting classes, etc).

• Maintain a safe environment based on safety guidelines and policies.

• Set-up and clean childcare rooms/areas. Sanitizes toys and play equipment.

• Identify appropriate resources for childs individual needs and provide parents with feedback and coaching on childs interaction in group process, behavior management techniques, and trauma-informed parenting techniques (as applicable).

• Assist parents in enrolling children in local school district or virtual learning academy. If needed, drive to district offices or schools to retrieve educational items for clients due to safety concerns.

• Provide on-going client and staff support, especially in crises, with a childs behavior. Identify appropriate resources and facilitate communication between referral and client (social services-child removals, CAT team-child suicidal ideation or threat to harm another, arrest/absence of parent and children on-site without guardians).

• Acts as a community ambassador for Human Options.

• Lead liaison between NCL, Assistance League and McKinney Vento Liaisons to provide basic needs and community events for clients through trauma-informed services.

• Coordinate resources such as referrals and tools used in the various groups. This includes (but is not limited to) outside volunteer groups or agencies hosting events on-site (virtually or in-person), organize and coordinate donations, host tours of Childrens Program and Residential sites if needed.

• Provide outreach presentations focused around the impacts of domestic violence on children and Human Options Childrens Program services (Sisterhood events, site tours, DVAT, NCL, etc.)

• Files Child Abuse Reports as necessary.

• Meets time and attendance requirements for the position and uses work hours productively and appropriately.

• Follows policies and procedures in completing work.

• Demonstrates ability to abide by Human Options values: Show Diversity, Respect, Curiosity, Ingenuity, and Individuality. Demonstrates a commitment to excellence and maintains a supportive environment.

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, a related field, or commensurate work experience.

• A minimum of two years working with children in a group setting.

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

• Evening and weekend availability, and ability to work occasional overtime required.

• Preschool Special Education Credential or Early Childhood Education Credential highly preferred.

• One year experience with domestic violence program preferred.

• Communicates ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.

• Embodies flexibility and is receptive to change.

• Certified in CPR and First Aid preferred.

Mission:

• We ignite social change by educating Orange County to recognize relationship violence as an issue that threatens everyone, advocating for those affected by abuse, extending a safe place for victims and empowering survivors on their journey of healing.

Vision:

• We are committed to a future in which every person and family in Orange County experiences safe, healthy relationships and lives free from fear.

ADA Job Characteristics:

The work environment is primarily in an office setting, and includes travel to see clients or to different sites. Lift and carry up to 25 pounds up to waist length, extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist, stoop, squat, crawl, bend the back to open lower-level filing drawers, or to retrieve stored items, climb on stools, steps and/or ladders. Sit and/or stand frequently. Use fine manipulation (hands and wrist) to operate a keyboard, take notes, complete and file reports, file and copy documents. Corrected vision to normal range. Speak in normal vocal tone and range, and communicate clearly and concisely to and with others. Apply normal reasoning and detail as required in the accomplishment of job duties.