Client Advocate

ABOUT US

Resolving to make the world better for children is at the heart of Safe Shores -The DC Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission to provide survivor-centered intervention, hope, and healing for children and families affected by abuse, trauma, and violence in the District of Columbia. Our efforts are focused on working to prevent and end child abuse and neglect through promising practices, policies, and partnerships.

Working side-by-side with passion-driven multidisciplinary teams, we aim to:

• Minimize the trauma experienced by children and adolescents who have been identified as victims of sexual or physical abuse.
• Improve the investigation and prosecution of sexual and physical abuse cases from the point of intervention through to treatment and healing.
• Promote inter-agency collaboration for effective decision-making and management of sexual and physical abuse cases.
• Prevent further or future abuse of child victims.
• Provide training professionals in the field of investigation, prosecution, and provision of services for sexually and physically abused children, adolescents, and their non-offending caretakers.

THE JOB AND YOUR ROLE

As a Client Advocate, you would provide advocacy, crisis intervention, systems navigation, emotional support, and referrals to families impacted by sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of violence. You would also work directly with non-offending caregivers to support the caregiver in providing support to child victims, their siblings, and any other secondary victims. The focus of advocacy is to help reduce trauma for the child and family members and to support cases in achieving best outcomes. This position helps caregivers identify and access services the family may need and acts as a liaison with the Multidisciplinary Team, supporting the child and family throughout the investigative process.

This in-person position is subject to modification or hybrid work based on programmatic needs. The incumbent must participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours and weekend forensic interviewing and advocacy. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute §4-1321.02.

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Provide support, education, and crisis intervention to non-offending caregivers, secondary victims/survivors, and children during the forensic interview process and, as needed, assist caregivers in identifying options that are available to them and empowering them.
• Meet with non-offending caregivers to assess social service and crime victims' compensation needs, connect them with child-serving community-based agencies, and follow up to ensure services are obtained.
• Provide information to the non-offending caregivers regarding trauma and the impact of trauma on children, adolescents, and families.
• Provide caregivers with educational information about available support and service resources, crime victim rights, and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigation process.
• Participate in the MDT process by coordinating client services, as needed, with clinical staff and MDT members (attorneys, law enforcement, social workers, and medical personnel)
• Provide accompaniment to clients as needed for housing referrals, school support, or court accompaniment.
• Troubleshoot barriers to accessing services with clients and community service agencies.
• Assist the family in accessing services the team recommends and provide immediate and ongoing follow-up as needed.
• Steward children and non-offending caregivers throughout the investigative process.
• Partnering with Advocates on the Youth Advocacy Team to support adolescent victims/survivors.
• Act as an advocate/liaison between families and law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health service providers, and the prosecutor’s office.
• Assist in developing information and resources to support children and caregivers.
• Perform a safety assessment of the family and develop and recommend a safety plan in cases when appropriate.
• Participate in regular individual supervision, staff meetings, multidisciplinary (MDT) meetings, in-service training, professional development, and other meetings as required.
• Provide 24-hour on-call crisis intervention and advocacy services as assigned.
• Provides supervision of clients on the program floor, engaging clients in the waiting/play areas and assessing play/learning levels for age-appropriate activities and preparing and serving light snacks/meals.
• Assist in and lead the facilitation of client groups.
• Maintain and assure quality and confidentiality of electronic and paper files, statistical tracking, and inventory.
• Arrange or order emergency clothing or other material/referral resources for clients.
• Assist in maintaining material needs such as the clothing closet or youth activity program food and toys, as needed.
• Assist in the implementation of Safe Shores seasonal drives, as needed.

Requirements

WHAT YOU OFFER

You are passionate about Safe Shores’ mission, vision, and values, committed to doing what’s best and suitable for those we serve, and driven to become an outstanding asset to our community of colleagues. You have strong listening and communication skills, both oral and written, and must be able to adapt to various audiences fluidly. You have the heart of an advocate and care deeply about reducing the impacts of trauma on children and families. Most importantly, you have a high level of cultural competence and believe and thrive in a workplace culture committed to countering all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong understanding of Washington, D.C., including the needs and histories of local communities, locally available supportive resources, and the social services and regulatory context of the nation’s capital. The ideal candidate will be able to navigate the unique dynamics of the area, contributing to our mission with an informed perspective and local awareness.

Eligibility / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in social work, mental health, counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) full years of professional experience working with adult caregivers of children who have experienced abuse and trauma and the ability to engage and facilitate dialogue about childhood, parenting, and navigating complex emotions.
• Ability to work effectively with caregivers, children, and adolescents.
• Ability to work effectively with MDT partners, including child welfare social workers, law enforcement officers, medical and mental health professionals, and other government and judicial agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of child development, child sexual abuse, trauma, family violence, and sexual violence.
• Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Washington, D.C., including the needs and histories of local communities, locally available supportive resources, and the social services and regulatory context of the nation’s capital. The ideal candidate will be able to navigate the unique dynamics of the area, contributing to our mission with an informed perspective and local awareness.
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field.
• Formal training and/or certification as a victim advocate or crisis counselor.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Licensure as an LGPC, LPC, LGSW, or LICSW.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Stage 1: Complete the application and questionnaire here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3355403

Stage 2: The best-qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process.

Stage 3: Offer and Onboarding

EEO STATEMENT

Safe Shores is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, and BELONGING

Safe Shores expects all employees to respect and be sensitive to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and the cultural differences of applicants, other employees, and those we serve. We demonstrate this respect and sensitivity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability (actual or perceived), source of income, place of residence or business, military service, and any other basis protected by federal or District of Columbia law.

Interested in applying or want more information? Visit www.safeshores.org/careers!

Salary Description

Starting salary of $62,800 per year

WHAT WE OFFER

Total Compensation: We prioritize your overall health and well-being.

A salary is just a number, but you must consider the big picture. As a Client advocate, your starting salary is $62,800.

We take total compensation seriously. We proudly provide one of the most robust benefits packages in the non-profit sector, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our work is complex, and in this field, we firmly believe that we must care for ourselves to be present for our circle and those we serve. Please take a moment to read the complete list of employee benefits we offer. We are sure you’ll be impressed.

• Birthday Comp Day (your birthday is a holiday for you!)
• Annual Professional Development Fund
• 13 days of paid vacation leave
• 13 days of paid sick leave
• 13 days of paid holidays
• Paid personal leave
• Paid parental leave
• 100% employer-paid medical (PPO with lots of provider options), dental, and vision insurance for the current 2024-2025 plan year
• Wellness stipend
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee appreciation and wellness events
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (Employer contribution after one year of service)
• Essential oils and diffusers for employee workspaces
• Safe Shores offers paid sabbatical leave for employees with a five or more consecutive years tenure.

We want you to succeed.

To start, we understand that for employees to flourish, they must be given a safe environment to be curious about all aspects of our mission and to learn and grow within their roles. That said, we intentionally provide support and encouragement to our employees and value open, honest, and respectful conversations.