Job Details
Job Type
Full-time
Description
ABOUT SAFE SHORES
Resolving to make the world better for children and youth is at the heart of Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center's mission to provide survivor-centered intervention, hope, and healing for children and families affected by abuse, trauma, and violence in the District of Columbia. We work to prevent and end child abuse and neglect through promising practices, policies, and partnerships.
Working side-by-side with passion-driven multidisciplinary teams, we aim to:
- Minimize the trauma experienced by children and adolescents who have been identified as victims of sexual or physical abuse.
- Improve the investigation and prosecution of sexual and physical abuse cases from the point of intervention through to treatment and healing.
- Promote interagency collaboration for effective decision-making and management of sexual and physical abuse cases.
- Prevent further or future abuse of children.
- Provide training professionals in the field of investigation, prosecution, and provision of services for sexually and physically abused children, adolescents, and their non-offending caretakers.
THE JOB AND YOUR ROLE The Youth Advocacy Specialist provides advocacy, crisis intervention, systems navigation, emotional support, and short-term ongoing advocacy services as needed to youth (ages 13-17) victims and their non-offending family members as desired. Youth Advocacy Specialists may be the first point of contact for victims of sexual assault. The focus of youth advocacy support is to help reduce trauma for youth while informing them of their rights and options. The Youth Advocacy Specialist helps youth identify and access services they may need, acting as a liaison with other agencies and service providers and supporting them throughout the investigative process as needed.
This position requires up to 80% in-person direct-service work. The incumbent is required to participate in at least one evening (2 pm-10 pm) shift and the after-hours on-call rotation for 24-hour response.
In accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims' Rights Amendment Act of 2019, this position will respond to youth in community settings such as hospitals or law enforcement agencies, as well as working from an office setting. This position must respond in person and virtually, depending upon client needs and preferences. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute 4-1321.02 when not acting within the defined role that provides an exemption to this mandate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
(Other duties may be assigned): - Provide advocacy and crisis intervention support and/or accompaniment to 13 - 17-year-old clients (and family as desired) during the initial medical and/or law enforcement response to sexual assault and ongoing as needed.
- Provide information to teens/families regarding trauma and the impacts of trauma, available support and service resources, victim's rights, and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigative process.
- Coordinate as appropriate with other involved service providers or government agencies in accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims' Rights Amendment Act of 2019.
- Troubleshoot barriers to accessing services with youth, family members, and professionals.
- Build relationships within the Youth Advocacy Initiative and with other staff and key stakeholders, including MDT members.
- Perform a safety assessment of the youth and/or family and develop and recommend a safety plan for the youth victim and family in cases when appropriate.
- Participate in regular individual supervision, staff meetings, departmental meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as required.
- Provide 24-hour on-call crisis intervention and advocacy services as assigned.
- Ensure a tranquil and safe environment for visiting youth and families by monitoring program space and supporting staff as needed.
- Maintain and assure quality and confidentiality of electronic and paper files and statistical tracking promptly.
- Assist in maintaining material needs such as the clothing closet or youth activity program food and toys, as needed.
- Track follow-up surveys to be sent and implement follow-up surveys as needed and as directed.
- Manage expenses and expense reports in alignment with the program area budget.
- Attend relevant training and stay current on emerging issues and trends related to youth advocacy roles.
- Participate in community outreach activities to further the Youth Advocacy Initiative's goals.
- Assist in the implementation of Safe Shores' seasonal drives, as needed.
WHAT WE OFFER Total Compensation: We prioritize your overall health and well-being.
As a Youth Advocacy Specialist, the salary is $63,630 annually. Safe Shores does not negotiate salaries in keeping with our commitment to pay equity and transparency. In addition to the salary, there is additional on-call pay for staff serving in the on-call rotation.
Beyond the salary, we take total compensation seriously. We proudly provide one of the most robust benefits packages in the non-profit sector. Our work is complex, and in this field, we firmly believe that we must take care of ourselves to be present to our own needs as well as those we serve. Please take a moment to read the complete list of employee benefits we offer:
- Birthday Comp Day (your birthday is a holiday for you!)
- Annual Professional Development Fund
- 13 days of paid vacation leave
- 13 days of paid sick leave
- 13 days of paid holidays
- Paid personal leave
- Paid parental leave
- 100% employer-paid medical (PPO with lots of provider options), dental, and vision insurance for the current plan year
- Wellness stipend
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee appreciation and wellness events
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan (Employer contribution after one year of service)
- Essential oils and diffusers for employee workspaces
- Safe Shores provides clinical supervision that may be counted toward licensure as a benefit for the clinical positions.
- Safe Shores covers the cost of licensure fees in the District of Columbia for clinical positions.
- Safe Shores offers paid sabbatical leave for employees with five or more consecutive years of tenure.
We want you to succeed. To start, we understand that for employees to flourish, they must be given a safe environment to be curious about all aspects of our mission and to learn and grow within their roles. With that said, we are intentional about providing support and encouragement to our employees and value open, honest, and respectful conversations. Additionally, we offer annual professional development funds, wellness funds, ongoing training in your field, and an organization-wide focus on trauma-informed anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Requirements
WHAT YOU OFFER You are passionate about Safe Shores' mission, vision, and values, committed to doing what's best for those we serve, and driven to become an outstanding asset to our community of colleagues. You have strong listening and communication skills, both oral and written and must be able to adapt to various audiences fluidly. You have academic or post-graduate training in trauma-focused interventions and have implemented your learning. Most importantly, you have a high level of cultural competence and believe and thrive in a workplace culture committed to countering all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree required in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma and/or general mental health practice.
- Experience in working with the criminal justice or child welfare systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of child sexual abuse, family violence, and/or sexual violence.
- Must have a valid driver's license with the ability to drive or access to transportation to meet clients in the community.
- Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Master's degree preferred in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
- Formal training and/or certification as a victim advocate or crisis counselor.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS - Stage 1: Complete the application and questionnaire.
- Stage 2: The best-qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process. Typically, there are 2-3 rounds of candidate interviews.
- Stage 3: Offer and Onboarding
Safe Shores is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary Description
$63,630 annually