Dv Child Welfare Advocate

Summary of the main function/purpose of the position:
Works cooperatively with the lead Community Based Care Agency (CBC) and Case Management Organizations (CMOs) providing Child Welfare services in Hillsborough County. Provides training, technical assistance and support to CMO's regarding domestic violence. Provides empowerment-based advocacy, safety planning, supportive counseling, and crisis intervention to victims and survivors of domestic violence with an open Child Welfare case
Principal duties/responsibilities:

• Has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, service programs, and confidentiality and privilege

• Knowledgeable of the child protection and Child Welfare system

• Knowledgeable of the Injunction for Protection (IFP) process and is able to explain the process to survivors and to the CMO staff

• Works in collaboration with the CMO staff on reports of child abuse involving domestic violence

• Works with DV/CPI Program Manager in collaboration with CBC and CMO leadership to develop written procedures and protocols regarding working with families with an open Child Welfare case involving domestic violence.

• Works collaboratively with the CMO staff on reports involving allegations of domestic violence and responds to referrals received from CMO staff

• Upon receiving a case, is responsible in determining the level of services based on the needs of the survivor. This includes but not limited to; crisis intervention, safety planning, linkage to other Spring services, and referrals

• Educates survivors on their options

• Accompanies survivors to court

• Participates in case staffing that involve child abuse and domestic violence

• Attends agency meetings and all other meetings as assigned

• Attends monthly meetings with CBC and CMO staff and other relevant personnel

• Service management and documentation meets the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence's (FCADV) program standards

• Participates in statewide quarterly meetings of the FCADV DV/CPI/Child Welfare project

• Participates in technical assistance training

• Records and compiles statistical data and submits reports at the end of each month as required by both The Spring and FCADV

• Facilitates groups for survivors involved in the Child Welfare system

• Records and compiles data and submits reports at the end of each quarter

• Crisis counseling and referrals to survivors who request domestic violence services

Occasional duties or projects which may be performed at irregular intervals

• Participates in conference calls facilitated by FCADV
• Facilitates onsite trainings with Spring staff to enhance skills when working with survivors involved in the Child Welfare system
• Provides trainings to CBC/CMO on topics related to the DV/CW Initiative
• Community presentations/trainings with other community partners involved with Child Welfare for example: GAL, Early Childhood Court.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Accountability: Areas in which the position is accountable/responsible:
Participant Service: Maintains participant satisfaction and quality of services.
Records: Ensures participant files are kept up to date professionally and within agency standards.
Safety: Assists in maintaining participant safety.
Budgets: Submits mileage expenses on a monthly basis.
Supervision Responsibility:
None
Business-Related Contacts:
CBC agency, all CMOs, Child Protective staff and other related agencies
Prohibited Functions:

• Does not respond to requests from the media
• Does not provide any service which could be interpreted as practicing law

Educational and/or equivalence in experience requirements:
Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred, with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of domestic violence. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and survivor issues. Experience in court advocacy and/or negotiation. Can function calmly in a crisis atmosphere. Must be able to function independently while working cooperatively as a member of a team. Must have knowledge of community resources and the ability to maintain a cordial working relationship with other agencies. Must be able to work with a culturally diverse community with sensitivity and professionalism.
Specialized or technical educational requirements:
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Must be computer proficient in a Windows environment.
Certification or licensing requirements:
FCADV Competency-Based Core training and additional 6 hours (30 hrs total) to qualify for privilege status.
Valid Florida Driver's License, active automobile insurance, and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
Must be able to pass and maintain screening and clearance by FDLE, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and screenings that may be required by the CBC or CMO agencies.
Must be eligible to be sworn as a Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court
Additional Remarks:
This position requires the following:

1. Demonstrated maturity and good judgment.
2. Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and with expertise.
3. A self-starter and the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy and as part of a team.
4. Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making.
5. Excellent organizational, analytical and time management skills.
6. Excellent verbal and oral communication and presentation skills.
7. Knowledge of domestic violence and victim issues, including advocacy activities, statutes and impact on children.
8. Reliable transportation required.