Reports to: R3 Project Manager                Class Code: 3383   

Grade: 604            FLSA: Exempt

Hourly Wage: $23.44

NATURE OF WORK                

The Children’s Advocate (CA) will be responsible for caring and advocating for survivor's children in the Center in the dedicated Children's Space while their parent accesses Front Line Crisis Navigation, Case Management, or partner agency services at the Family Peace Center.  

GRANT FUNDING ADVISEMENT    

This position is 100% grant funded, and the current grant period expires in June of 2026 with potential for renewal. Acceptance of this position shall not be construed as a guarantee of employment beyond the grant-funded period.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The CA will dedicate 100% of their time to assisting survivors’ children while they are at the Center completing an intake, accessing Center services, or meeting with partner agency staff. We want to ensure that survivors feel safe and comfortable with leaving their children in our care. The CA will ensure that FPC clients with children can access support services that specifically address the needs of those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse or elder abuse.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Complete grant goals and objectives according to proposed timelines, including assisting Family Peace Center staff and clients by creating and promoting a safe place for children. The CA will monitor the children’s playroom area and plan children’s activities. Various tasks may include monitoring children’s playroom, reading books, assisting in age-appropriate game play, supervising educational videos, arts and crafts, and assisting older children with homework assignments. The CA may also work alongside parents to advocate for children’s needs after experiences of trauma. There are also evening opportunities for childcare during support group and wellness offerings for survivors with children. The CA will be adhering to trauma informed and survivor driven principles and policies of the FPC, including; treating all clients, staff and FPC partner agency personnel with kindness, dignity and respect; engaging in activities and practices addressing self-care and vicarious trauma; ensure the confidentiality and information sharing process is followed; participate in training and regular debriefs with their supervisor; provide feedback to the FPC Executive Director about additional services, partners or people who need to be at the FPC in order to fulfill client needs. 

Complete all other tasks and duties as assigned and required by the Manager of the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention/Executive Director and Client Services Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision and direction of the Client Services Manager, who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness, and for overall results achieved.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not require supervisory duties. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office and various locations to meet client needs of support and advocacy.  Work activities occur in a fast paced, high demand environment at times.

SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs)

Thorough knowledge of domestic violence and human trafficking prevention efforts, including best practice prevention efforts and strategies.    

Comfortable working in a collaborative manner.  Sensitivity to the concerns of partner organizations, willingness to receive and use feedback in program design, interpersonal interactions and policy development. 

Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing, to conduct research, and to prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other government agencies, law enforcement, the general public, and community organizations.

Skill in the use and care of a personal computer.

Ability to ask for help and support. 

Ability to treat clients, staff and partner agencies with kindness, dignity and respect in challenging circumstances and conditions. 

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED. Some college or technical training from an accredited college or university in social services or human services and experience with case management, community engagement, social service, grass roots organizations, or the equivalent, preferred. Forty (40) hours domestic violence training, FPC Orientation Training and other training in confidentiality and mandated reporting (provided on the jf needed).Knowledge of the Family Justice Center movement and the purpose of this model and service delivery.  Thorough knowledge of how systemic racism and oppression impacts a person’s ability to recover from family and sexual violence and live a life free of trauma and violence. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training, which ensures the ability to perform the work, may be substituted for the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Forty (40) Hour ICADV Domestic Violence training (may be completed within 30 days of hire)

Residency Requirement: 

Modified November 15, 2021: All employees (except Police Sworn and Fire Sworn) hired on or after June 1, 2018 shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or within fifteen (15) miles of Rockford City Hall (425 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61104) within six (6) months after their introductory period.  Department Heads shall live within the municipal boundaries of the city of Rockford.