Child and Family Advocate
The Guidance Center
Summary
As a Child and Family Advocate in the Kids-TALK Program, you will provide direct services to children and families seen at the Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center. This position contributes to the mission of the Children's Advocacy Center by providing advocacy, crisis support and referral services to child victims of abuse and neglect and their non-offending families and caretakers.
Job description
The Advocate is required to ensure all aspects of the Kids-TALK program meet the program's mission while staying in compliance with required reporting agencies. The Advocate monitors that referrals are handled in a timely manner and that all required data is submitted accurately and timely.
Regular working hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., although due to the needs of the CAC's clients and partners, additional hours including evenings and weekends may also be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in human services related field required
- One (1) year of experience working with abused/neglected children and their families is highly preferred
- Working knowledge of the dynamics of child maltreatment, trauma, and child development is required
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Children's Protective Services/Foster Care Services and/or the courts is required
- Ability to engage children 17 and under and their families from diverse ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds
- Training and experience working with multidisciplinary teams consisting of law enforcement, human service professionals and the court system preferred
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Strong commitment to customer service
- Ability to work cooperatively with diverse professional groups
- Ability to develop and maintain a strong resource network
- Must have MDHHS Central Registry and background check clearance
- Valid driver's license and favorable driving record is required
- Nonjudgmental approach reflecting cultural competency and sensitivity
- Ability to develop collaborative relationships with other providers
- Ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems
- Willingness to be flexible, patient, and creative
- Ability to appropriately handle crisis situations
- Computer proficiency
- Ability to travel frequently between Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center sites
Benefits
- Affordable Medical Plans
- Employer-Paid Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) With Employer Contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
Company overview
The Guidance Center is a nonprofit mental health care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families in need. As a community-based mental health provider, the organization offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions, counseling services, and support programs designed to address various mental health challenges. Their services typically include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, family counseling, and specialized programs for children and adolescents. The Guidance Center operates with a mission to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and ensure accessible care for underserved populations. They often collaborate with local healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations to deliver integrated care that addresses both mental health and social determinants of wellbeing. The organization plays a crucial role in community mental health infrastructure by providing evidence-based treatments, preventive services, and educational outreach programs that support overall community resilience and individual recovery journeys.