Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer

Description

At Foothills Child Advocacy Center, children come first. We provide trauma-informed services for children who have experienced abuse and their families. At our child-friendly space, children have an opportunity to tell their story, to receive medical exams, to see our mental health clinician, and to be connected to community services.  Our doors are open and accessible to all.

The Position
The Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer assists the Executive Director in the day-to-day operations of the family services program and the Charlottesville and Albemarle child abuse Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) with families. This position provides victim advocacy and support services to the families of children who are alleged victims of criminal child maltreatment, including but not limited to sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and witness to domestic violence. This support includes tracking data in case review.

In addition, this position interviews children between the ages of 3 and 18 and sometimes travels to surrounding counties to do so. These duties include 1) coordinating and conducting developmentally and culturally appropriate, evidence-based forensic interviews of children and adolescents of alleged criminal maltreatment in child-friendly, safe locations that are easily accessed by their families; 2) serving as an active, contributing member of and liaison to the counties of Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Madison, Nelson, and other counties as needed; 3) provide education and training to MDT members; 4) provide training to community organizations on mandated reporting, trauma-informed care, and other topics approved by supervisor.

The Foothills Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer reports to the Executive Director. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Skills Required

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or related field from an accredited college or university; a master’s degree in social work or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Previous training/current endorsement in one or more nationally-recognized, evidence-based forensic interview models/protocols (NCAC, NICHD< ChildFirst, APSAC, Cornerhouse) is preferred; Foothills is willing to enable training for the successful candidate.
• At least three years of experience working with children and families.
• At least two years of experience working in the field of child protection, child maltreatment, sexual assault, or with children and families who have experienced trauma.
• Be highly sensitive to the needs and welfare of children and caretakers who have experienced physical and/or sexual maltreatment.
• Previous experience conducting forensic interviews of children in response to allegations of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse preferred.
• Previous experience in a children’s advocacy center, child protection, or working with a multidisciplinary child abuse team preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, specifically stages in cognitive, physical, moral and emotional developmental stages.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently when required.
• Knowledge of family violence, substance abuse and the dynamics of child sexual victimization.
• Knowledge of team dynamics.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.
• Ability to work in a stressful job environment with difficult subject matter.
• Ability to develop logical and creative solutions and be responsible for making sound decisions.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to a quickly changing schedule and handle distractions and interruptions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Approaches others in a tactful manner; ability to work well under pressure and respond quickly to challenges; maintains confidentiality; keeps emotions under control; and remains open to others’ ideas.
• English fluency (verbal and written)
  • Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; and participates in meetings;
  • Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; and is able to read and interpret written information.
  • Spanish fluency a plus!
• Cultural Competency and Humility: Demonstrates a commitment to lifelong self-evaluation and self-critique of cultural competency; has a proven track record of working well with diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Has the ability to work as a team member with individuals from a variety of disciplines; balances team and individual responsibilities; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Ethics/Professionalism: Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments; and upholds organizational values.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Initiative: Volunteers readily; undertakes professional development activities; and asks for and offers help when needed.
• Planning/Organizing: Ability to work independently; prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; and able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; and arrives at meetings and appointments on time; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Occasional travel is required for training and attendance at fundraising events.

Additional Info

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision.

Other Requirements
Evening and weekend hours as required.  Must be willing to work flexible hours. Must have access to a vehicle; possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance; submit to a pre-employment thorough criminal and child abuse background check and thereafter every three years, demonstrate proof of legal ability to work in the United States, and, if applicable, demonstrate registration with the Selective Service. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required. To be eligible to drive the Foothills vehicle, must be accepted as a qualified driver by Foothills’ insurance carrier.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Foothills does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, cultural background, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, military service, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment.

Professionals who are interested in joining the Foothills team should submit a letter of interest and professional resume by email to Hhoffman@FoothillsCAC.org.

Compensation
The pay range for this position is $45,000-$55,000/year. Benefits include healthcare covered at $9000 per year, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% match ($1500/year). Option for dental and vision insurance also included.