Child Advocate $20.00/hr

Position: Child Advocate

Full Time Equivalency: 1.0

Hours/Week: 40

Compensation: $20.00/hr

Reports to: Supportive Services Director of Child Advocacy

Direct Report(s): none

Internal Job Code: SS-CA5

Bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish, as demonstrated by passing our language exam, will receive an additional $0.50 per hour worked.

Organization Overview

Since 1906 YWCA Utah has been a voice for women, a force for change, and a place for hope. Our enduring belief is that better lives for women - all women - will lead to stronger families and communities. YWCA is Utah's most comprehensive provider of family violence services; our programs include walk-in services and a crisis line, emergency shelter, transitional housing, children's programs, and a vast array of supportive services. In addition to our work in the area of family violence, the YWCA also reaches out broadly into the community with offerings for every woman, including a nationally accredited child care and early education center, leadership opportunities for women at all life stages, and opportunities to participate more fully in civic life. YWCA Utah is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Benefits - Full-Time

In addition to being a part of an organization dedicated to race & gender equity in Utah, benefits of working at YWCA include:

• Paid parental leave (six weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Generous package of vacation, sick, and bereavement time available to all employees (amount accrued varies based on hours/week)
• Health and dental insurance eligibility for employees, partners, and dependents
• 11 paid holidays
• Employer retirement contribution of up to 10.5% of gross annual salary when eligible
• Professional development with internal and external training opportunities
• Free Employee Assistance Program providing counseling options to employees, partners, and dependents

Position Summary

Empower women to break free from the cycle of family violence in Utah's oldest, largest and most comprehensive provider of shelter, housing, and supportive services. Provide individual case management, supportive services, crisis interventions, and serve as a liaison to obtain YWCA and community resources. Excellent opportunity for a compassionate, supportive, energetic team player to create lasting social impact that strengthens families and the community.

Essential Job functions

• Provide trauma informed individual case management to mothers and children and referrals to supportive services.
• Provide trauma informed crisis counseling, advocacy, and coaching to families in crisis due to domestic and/or sexual violence in order to achieve a client-based plan for self-sufficiency and safety.
• Conduct child centered assessments and safety plans for children.
• Educate women about the impact of domestic violence on their children.
• Intervene in crises to ensure the health and safety of program participants.
• Plan and implement programs that facilitate culturally sensitive domestic violence services to diverse populations.
• Coordinate and facilitate psycho-educational and support groups to mothers and children.
• Maintain contract forms required by the state, county, and program including compliance with licensing requirements.
• Participate as an active team member in problem solving and decision making processes.
• Attend required staff, supervision, and agency meetings.
• Articulate and promote high ethical standards in all YWCA programs, activities, and services, and with all public agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with YWCA staff and any other organizations and individuals important to the success of the YWCA's work.
• Keep current on electronic record system documenting activities and assure grant compliance necessary to ensure that work is conducted in accordance with agency.
• Provide information/referral and provide/arrange translation and interpretation as necessary.
• Advocate for the access and use of resources and referrals.
• Provide direct assistance to the Property Manager in addressing behavior issues related to lease requirements.
• Coordinate linkages with community agencies on individual and program level.
• Coordinate therapeutic services for adults and children in order to help minimize the impact of violence in their lives, including maintaining contact with therapists and clinicians.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Contact agencies/individuals providing services to clients to assure optimum coordination and appropriate referrals. Obtain signed releases for coordination of services.

Competencies & Essential Skills:

• Working with Children: Ability to communicate with and listen to children of all ages; adaptability, patience, and empathy in working with different family dynamics.
• Problem Solving/Analytical Thinker:Ability to solve and analyze problems effectively and efficiently.
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills:Ability to provide exceptional customer service to supporters, partners, board members and co-workers. Exceptional communication skills and ability to respond to difficult situations.
• Time Management:Ability to multitask and work efficiently within close time constraints. Ability to work under pressure and in a stressful environment.
• Business Knowledge:Ability to master the components of a multi-disciplinary and multi-programmatic organization and partner organizations. Knowledge and understanding of Anti-racism, gender equity and violence against women.
• Organization:Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Judgement and Decision Making:Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgement and problem solving techniques in the decision-making process.
• Technology/Tools:Ability to use various computer systems and applications including proficiency in online and electronic communication strategies.
• Commitment to mission:Demonstrates commitment to YWCA Utah's mission and philosophy. Actively engages in YWCA Utah's anti-racism work.
• Compliance:Adhere to YWCA Utah's policies and is committed to act legally and ethically within the scope of the work.

Ideal candidates will have the following:

1. Previous experience or training in working with children of any age group 17 and younger.
2. Knowledge and experience in administrative and/or non-profit operations, programs, policies and protocols.
3. Welcoming & inclusive personality
4. General knowledge of direct victim services, violence against women and sexual violence issues; gender and race equity, from a feminist perspective.
5. Understanding of equity, anti-oppression and trauma-informed philosophies
6. Assertiveness when responding to crisis and problem solving through unique scenarios
7. Understanding of work/life balance and personal well-being
8. Speaks and writes in Spanish and English proficiently

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a combined 5 or more years of education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human services related area.
  • Or another closely related field plus 1-2 years' experience in direct service
  • Or Associates degree from an accredited college plus 4 or more years' experience.
  • Or High school diploma plus 6-7 years of relevant demonstrated experience
• An understanding of, and agreement with YWCA Utah's mission, values and philosophy regarding the elimination of racism, empowerment of women and commitment to anti-oppression work and social justice.
• Fluency in English & Spanish (speaking and writing) required.
• Experience in a human service agency with demonstrated initiative, compassion, and awareness of self when working with others.
• Knowledge and skills in direct individual and group services including effective communication, crisis interventions, knowledge of homelessness, domestic violence, child development, and community resources.
• Must be flexible and able to work some evenings and weekends.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Ability to create effective working relationships with other YWCA programs and build strong bridges with community partners.
• Proficiency with general office duties, computer systems and technology.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal communication, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete projects within established timeframe.
• Skilled in establishing effective working relationships.
• Ability to collaborate and invite collaboration.
• Able to demonstrate skills in effective communication, conflict resolution and problem solving.
• If driving on business vehicle, a valid Utah driver's license, access to an automobile, and valid auto insurance required.

Physical/Sensory Demands

Work is generally performed in a safe and comfortable office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: sit for long periods of time; use computer to enter data; use telephone to converse with customers and employees; walk and stand for long periods of time; perform repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement. Travel to attend conferences, training, outreach and other events occurs routinely.

YWCA Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to disability, it is available upon request. No applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.