Bilingual Child & Family Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Bilingual Domestic Violence Child Advocate reports to the Director of Residential Services and provides trauma-informed services to children and their mothers who enter the Emergency Shelter Program seeking safety from abuse.

The Bilingual Domestic Violence Child Advocate is responsible for creating an empowering and supportive environment for the families in the shelter, with the primary focus on the children and their family unit, assisting them both in their time within shelter as well as networking with schools and supportive agencies in the community and building the family's resiliency beyond the family trauma.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS & ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BSW or commensurate experience.
• Must be bilingual (English and Spanish speaking).
• Must demonstrate cultural competency through either experience or education. Must have some knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• A motivated self-starter.
• Must be flexible for some evening and weekend shifts.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Answer and help the 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
• Refers clients to YWCA internal programs providing counseling, workforce development, children's services, legal services, and other needed services, as well as appropriate community resources for services not covered by YWCA Union County,
• Create a trauma-informed setting within the shelter to aid the child's emotional and cognitive development while in shelter.
• Actively foster respectful behavior toward and between children in shelter.
• Model appropriate disciplinary practice in keeping with agency philosophy around children who witness domestic violence.
• Assist children in creating and understanding safety planning.
• Provide an initial assessment of children and identify individual needs of children who have witnessed domestic violence.
• Assess children upon intake for health concerns and support parents in addressing any health concerns identified.
• Educate and actively model behavior for parents on the effects of children witnessing domestic violence.
• Encourage parents and children to bond through group and family activities.
• Educate parents on parenting strategies through individual and group modalities.
• Facilitate workshops i.e., Art and/or Music.
• Educate parents and children on coping skills to assist with individual situations specific to witnessing domestic violence.
• Coordinate clients' participation in community events as needed.
• Attending staff meetings, conferences and training as directed.
• Represent agency as required at community events, health fairs, etc.
• Conduct outside presentations as required.
• Responsible for modeling healthy boundaries, respectful behavior, and open communication.
• Provide Director of Residential Services with information on potential problems and assist in the development of solutions and/or innovative approaches to problems.
• Maintain client's files.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Residential Services.
• All positions within the shelter will be trained for answering the hotline, and for coverage of backup shifts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to unable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing the job, this position typically involves sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, carrying (25lbs), lifting (25lbs), bending, stooping, and reaching. This position also requires operating a computer keyboard, firm/strong grasping, and repetitive hand control. The position also requires the ability to complete forms in personal writing, make and receive telephone calls, and operate office machines (copier, fax, and printer). This position is also subjected to outside environmental conditions.

NOTE: This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Child and Family Advocate and will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. This job description should not be construed as a contract.

The Mission of the YWCA-USA

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community

Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.

Respect for each one's roles, diversity, and viewpoints.

Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action.

Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals.

Excellence in practice and expectation.