About Job

Child Advocacy Center

Victim Advocate Coordinator

Position Description

General Description: The Rainbow House Victim Advocate Coordinator is responsible for managing cases at the Rainbow House Child Advocacy Center for alleged victims of child abuse, primarily focusing on child sexual abuse, and their non-offending family members. Acting as the child’s advocate, this individual works under the supervision of the Advocacy Program Manager.

The program aims to provide assessment, case management, education, and therapeutic services to the families interviewed and served by the Rainbow House Child Advocacy Center. The primary objective of this position is to ensure that no child victim’s case “slips through the cracks” and that victim services are well coordinated with the family.

The Victim Advocate Coordinator should possess knowledge and skills in the following areas:

a) Assessing children and non-offending family members

b) Empathizing appropriately with their circumstances and communicating effectively

c) Understanding child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, and its related issues

d) Familiarity with court proceedings, policies, and procedures

e) Knowledge of victims' rights

f) Understanding the policies and procedures of investigative agencies

g) Public speaking and presentation skills

h) A willingness to work as part of a team

i) Strong organizational skills

Advocacy Services:

· Provides victim advocacy services to children aged 17 and under who are alleging abuse and to their non-offending family members. Includes educating the victim’s non-offending family members about services and support available to them, helping them complete necessary forms, and assisting, as necessary. Also assures families are notified of court dates and explains court proceedings.

· Plans programs and may facilitate, in conjunction with our therapist, an educational/support group for non-offending parents of child victims.

· Coordinates with the Houston County Superior Court, District Attorney’s office, the Houston County Department of Family and Children’s Services, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies, mental health, and other child social service agencies to ensure the child’s (and family’s) voice is heard. Keeps families informed of the progress of their cases and encourages families to focus on their own issues.

· Attends the initial interview at Rainbow House and assists the investigators. Interfaces with the child and family during the interview process and afterwards to help make them feel comfortable. Explains the investigative process and provides referral information.

· Assist with training volunteers and/or college interns.

Case Management:

· Establishes and maintains case management files on each case. Ensures data on each case is entered into the computerized case tracking system. Follows each case through to its conclusion and enters data throughout the prosecution of each case.

Multi-disciplinary Team:

· Schedules, coordinates, and attends multi-disciplinary team meetings.

Maintaining Standards:

· The Victim Advocate Coordinator will help ensure that all standards of the Child Advocacy Centers of Georgia, the National Children’s Alliance, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (VOCA), and other regulatory agencies are met.

Public Relations:

· Represents Rainbow House and the Child Advocacy Center program at community meetings, collaborative efforts, and at workshops.

· Maintains positive relationships with multi-disciplinary team members and others involved in the children’s cases.

Support:

· Provides Assistance with other Rainbow House programs when required.

Hours: Full-time position. Requires being on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Professional Development:

· Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, including being on time for work, meetings, court appearances, and being dressed appropriately for the task at hand.

· Participate in training opportunities as they are presented to enhance her knowledge, skills, and abilities.

· Represent Rainbow House at meetings in the community and held by the Child Advocacy Centers of Georgia.

Qualifications, Training, and Experience: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field, with experience in working with children. Experience working in an advocacy role is a plus. Good organizational skills are needed. Must pass a drug test and a criminal records check. A valid Georgia driver’s license and a good driving record are required. It is necessary for the employee to be able to see and hear so that they can critically observe victim families. Employees must demonstrate sound judgment. Most other disabilities can be accommodated.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.23 per hour

Benefits: