Domestic Violence Children's Advocate, Domestic Abuse Women's Network, Tukwila, WA

Domestic Violence Children's Advocate

Posted on: October 6, 2014
Posted by: Domestic Abuse Women's Network

DAWN is a comprehensive provider of domestic violence services, including a 24-hour Advocacy & Crisis Line, emergency confidential shelter, survivor support groups, immigration and legal support, youth prevention work, and children's programming. Our mission is to lead and support efforts in South King County communities to end domestic violence by providing the critical services and education for survivors to make informed choices about their future and engaging communities to raise awareness and take action.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The Children's Advocate is responsible for developing and implementing trauma-informed children's programming, services, and advocacy for children and families at DAWN. This involves individual empowerment-based advocacy and case management, as well as small group work, with children and families. Individual advocacy work is primarily offered to residents of DAWN's Emergency Shelter. Group-based work takes place at both the Shelter and our Community Program Office.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide advocacy, support, and coordination of services to children, youth and families who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence, based in developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practice. 

2. Develop and coordinate on and off-site activities that encourage relationship-building between children and peers as well as between parent and child. 

3. Develop and implement trauma-informed and empowerment-focused children's programming for use in child care groups. Facilitate 2-3 of these groups per week. 

4. Assist Housing and Community Advocates in coordinating supportive services for children and parents in Shelter and Community programs. 

5. Collaborate and network with a broad base of stake holders, including local schools, community-based organizations, child welfare agencies, and physical or mental health providers to ensure appropriate services for children and families. 

6. Work with Prevention Program Manager to develop trauma-informed parenting program for implementation at DAWN's Shelter and Community Programs. 

7. Support/mentor volunteers who are working in the Children's Program. 

8. Provide advocacy-based counseling on DAWN's 24-Hour Advocacy and Crisis Line, facilitate modules as part of DAWN's Advocacy Trainings, and engage in mentoring DAWN's volunteers in advocacy roles. 

9. Coordinate and maintain ongoing inventory of age appropriate children's and parenting items. 

10. Maintain accurate records including up-to-date client files and case notes, Salesforce data entry, and submit reports and program evaluations, adhering to established timelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in social work or related field. Relevant work experience can be substituted. 

2. Familiarity with anti-oppression principles and practices. 

3. Experience bringing a trauma-informed approach to working with children, including caregiving, advocacy, and curriculum-based programming. 

4. Experience providing advocacy-based counseling for survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. 

5. Experience and/or interest in developing trauma-informed parenting programming. 

6. Bi-lingual skills that represent languages predominately spoken by survivors in South King County, such as Spanish, Russian, Somali, French, etc. 

7. A minimum of 20 hours of basic training covering theory and implementation of advocacy-based counseling and domestic violence issues. 

8. Proficiency in data collection and Microsoft Office programs. Experience with InfoNet and Salesforce helpful. 

9. Ability to work in a confidential manner and in a confidential setting. 

10. Strong commitment to providing culturally appropriate services to those we work with. 

11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

12. Strong time management, problem solving and organizational skills; ability to work well both independently and in a team environment. 

13. Own or have access to reliable transportation, including a valid Washington State driver's license and proof of auto insurance (if applicable). 

14. Current CPR/First Aid, and HIV/AIDS training or able to secure within one month of employment.

Compensation: $16.40/hour,

plus an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vacation, and sick leave

Hours: 40 Hours/Week, including at least two evenings and possible weekends

Starting Immediately

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to Briana@dawnonline.org, detailing your unique interest and qualifications for this position.

DAWN is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any protected status.

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with DAWN will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.