Children and Youth Program Advocate

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Children and Youth Program Advocate

DEPARTMENT: Services (Children and Youth)

PAY RANGE: $13.86 per hour

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Volunteer & Intern Coordinator

MOST RECENTLY REVISED: June 2016

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Mandatory:

Education/Training/Experience: One year of experience in a relevant social justice or human services field. Experience working with at risk/ traumatized children. Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to be covered under SafeHouse Center’s auto insurance*

Experience/Abilities/Skills:

Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills
Strong leadership and teamwork skills
Computer proficiency, including with MSW, Excel, Microsoft Office and email and internet functions
Understanding of and sensitivity to the unique circumstances of underserved populations and to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
Completed SafeHouse Center or other homelessness service provider volunteer training (will be provided)

Other Valued Education, Training, Experience, Abilities or Skills:

Fluency in language(s) other than English
Experience working with children survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
Supervisory experience
Public speaking experience
A master’s degree in social work

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Responsibilities

Provide services in accordance with the organization’s personnel policies, mission and goals.
Provide direct services to children.
Facilitate educational groups (such as Kids’ Club, Teen Voice) for children and youth
Recruit, train and arrange presentations for Teen Voice peer educator program
Assist in training, scheduling, and supervising play room volunteers with the Volunteer and Intern coordinator.
- Develop programming and conduct activities for residential and nonresidential children and youth
- Assist with registering children in schools and setting up transportation, as needed.
- Represent agency at Child and Youth serving organizations in the community

Ensure that the playroom remains safe, orderly and organized.
- Keep the dry erase board in the art area updated with all children’s initials currently staying in shelter.
- Develop and implement structured activities such as games, art projects, cooking projects, etc.
- Keep the toys organized.
- Keep the art area organized and clean.
- Maintain an inventory of children’s center supplies and equipment.
Plan, organize and oversee field trips.
- Plan and organize trips.
- Recruit volunteers to assist with trips.
- Make fliers to post around the agency advertising the trips.
- Distribute and collect permission slips.

Record Keeping
- Document services/activities and produce weekly and program reports/data for funders.

Staff Responsibilities

Participate in regular supervision with the appropriate supervisor
Adhere to all rules, policies and procedures as set forth by SafeHouse Center.
Maintain a professional, courteous and helpful demeanor at all times when working at or representing SafeHouse Center or its programs.
Participate in any community forum, committee or council as assigned by the supervisor.
Serve as liaison between SafeHouse Center and the community, being mindful of public image, community relations and the promotion of domestic violence and sexual assault services.
Allow flexibility in scheduling and job function.
Respond to any job function as requested by supervisor.
Abide by confidentiality at all times.
Make public speaking presentations to the community and/or service agencies as assigned.
Maintain a good driving record and carry liability insurance for passengers in personal vehicle.
Read and adhere to the SHC Policy and Procedures Manual; be mindful of health and safety issues at all times; notify Program Director in writing of any concerns regarding health and safety.
Provide services in accordance with the organization’s personnel policies, mission and goals.
Greet and assist people when they enter the public lobby.
Participate in conferences, classes and workshops to enhance professional knowledge and skill.
Attend staff meetings.
Participate in regular supervision with the appropriate supervisor.
Sign up for some holiday shifts during popular holiday times (most notably – but not necessarily limited to – the time around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s). Some limited holiday shifts will be required of all staff in order to keep our essential crisis intervention functions operational at all times throughout the year.
Sign up for the required number of community education presentations, information tables or other outreach opportunities.
Assist with special events when appropriate.
All other tasks as assigned by your supervisor.
Help to keep shared spaces orderly and take part in office-related light cleaning chores as assigned.
Maintain a positive cooperative work approach and foster teamwork among co-workers.
Work collaboratively with each survivor to determine both her strengths, supports, challenges and goals in order to promote her autonomy.