Emergency Services Children and Youth Advocate

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Emergency Services (ES) Children and Youth Advocate is responsible for providing individual and family supportive and advocacy sessions for children, youth, parents, and family members impacted by domestic violence, human trafficking/exploitation, or sexual violence. The ES Children and Youth Advocate utilizes trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices to provide supportive services for participants. Arranges and participates in group facilitation, organized group activities/ field trips, crisis calls, intakes, wraparound services, and referrals to community providers. This position is also responsible for maintaining a welcoming, safe, clean, accessible, and inclusive environment for persons and families we serve.

Advocate II: Minimum of bachelor’s degree in child development/early education, psychology, social work, or human service-related field and 3+ years of experience providing direct crisis response services to children/youth (c/y) and families who have experienced trauma.  Length of experience in a social service field may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements.

Advocate I: Minimum of bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in child development/early education, psychology, social work, or human service-related field and 1 – 3 years of experience providing direct crisis response services to children/youth (c/y) and families who have experienced trauma. Length of experience in a social service field may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements.

Hours/Schedule: This full-time position has a regular schedule, however based on participant and program needs at times, this position may require flexibility or schedule adjustments.

·     Ability to work in individual and group settings with c/y of all ages, parents, and the family as a unit.

·     Ability to remain calm and survivor-centered with those experiencing crisis and trauma.

·     Broad knowledge of resources and systems which interface with victims/survivors (v/s) and families experiencing violence and the skills to work in both a team and individual setting.

·     Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices comprehensive of the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/sexual exploitation, and general crime on adults, children/youth, and the community.

·     Knowledge of pre-school, elementary, and high school enrollment, Homeless McKinney Vento Act and school liaison and transportation processes.

·     Understanding of the human services delivery system with an emphasis on serving diverse, marginalized and/or underrepresented communities.

·     Ability in assessing, deescalating, and communicating in a calm, trauma-informed way with participants in crisis.

·     Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with v/s, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.

·     Enthusiasm for learning and commitment to enhancing skills through training, and coaching.

·     Ability to work flexible and varied hours including evenings and weekends.

·     Preferred 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability to complete training within 6 months.

·     Knowledge and aptitude with Microsoft Office, client databases, and other related forms of technology.

·     Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR). 

·     Multilingual candidates preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

In-Person Advocacy (80%)

·        Maintains professional and confidential survivor-centered support, advocacy, information, and safety planning for victims/survivors.

·        Welcomes new c/y into the shelter/hotel by introductions, informing them of available services, and processing paperwork.

·        Plans and provides age-appropriate activities, groups, and events for c/y and families in shelter/hotel. Collaborate with Community Children and Youth Advocate on event and program planning for c/y and families.

·        Updates and maintains pre-school, elementary and high school enrollment and transportation information. Works with parents and c/y to create an educational plan, complete school enrollment, and connect with other related resources. Create relationships with community homeless school liaisons with an emphasis in south suburban Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and St. Paul School Districts.

·        Collaborates with Primary Advocates, in providing wraparound advocacy services for families residing in shelter/hotel. Inclusive of obtaining any essential needs such as clothing, school supplies, accessibility equipment and technology, etc.

·        Assists parents with accessing internal and external resources as it pertains to their c/y and family.

·        Stays apprised of participants’ activities, policy changes and updates, and general information by reviewing ES log, newsletters, and CAS Connect/TEAMS staff pages.

·        Utilizes available learning opportunities/tools during down time including readings, webinars, and other forms of materials to enhance learning and skills.

·        Participates in the training and mentoring of new staff, volunteers and/or students as assigned.

·        Assists with walk-in participants with support, information, and referral as the need arises.

·        Other duties as assigned.

24/7 Crisis Line (5%)

·        Provides crisis line support and assess with victim/services what services they are currently seeking, providing information, safety planning and resources.

·        Provides referrals through Cornerstone’s continuum of services when appropriate and/or utilize the Day One process, as necessary.

Safety and Maintenance of Shelter Services (10%).

·        Create and maintain Learning and Play Space to keep a safe, fun, and clean space for families to be together.

·        Maintains, inventories, and stocks outside and inside storage areas for children and youth items.

·        Maintains office files with updated and sufficient forms for intake and exit.

·        Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database and other tracking methods.

·        Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/cons.

·        Completes other documentation as assigned by supervisor.

·        Promotes Cornerstone Advocacy Service’s (CAS) mission & philosophy.

·        Displays high ethical and professional standards.

·        Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through learning, training, and dialog.

·        Attends supervision, staff meetings, and trainings as required.

·        Participates in internal CAS committees and represents CAS on external committees based on interest/assignment and approval by supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employee’s abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. If such a situation should arise the employee should notify their supervisor to find help with lifting any item regardless of weight if the object to be lifted is awkward or difficult to lift in any way.

At Cornerstone, we value a rich and diverse employee and volunteer base and are committed to recruiting and retaining individuals of underrepresented backgrounds. We are also committed to creating an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and an affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements and the work that we do at Cornerstone. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.