SUMMARY

The staff hired for SARAH’S House Child Advocacy Center’s primary goal is to function as a forensic interviewer, as well as a victims’ advocate.

EDUCATION

Associate’s Degree required; Background in working with children preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

• Have knowledge of social work methodology
• Exceptional organizational skills; proficient computer skills, interpersonal relationship skills; the ability to communicate orally and in writing with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment; manage several projects simultaneously; and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
• Possess communication skills in order to verbalize the needs of troubled youth and the agency’s philosophy to the public and be able to communicate and work effectively in a professional manner with other social work personnel.
• Possess compassion and maintain objectivity for hurting families regardless of socio-economic status and/or personal bias.
• Be able to communicate and work effectively with agency personnel and community and state agencies in a productive and professional manner.
• Ability to respond to and manage crisis situations and be able to cope with emotionally stressful situations.
• Must have a valid state issued driver’s license and submit to an intensive background investigation.
• Must be willing to adapt and learn court proceeding processes.
• Must be self-motivated and task oriented.
• Must be willing to travel on occasions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position for SARAH’S House Child Advocacy Center of Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. shall encompass the following:

• Will support the mission and vision of Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. as evidenced by compliance with all organized policies and procedures.
• Will support and facilitate positive interactions with others as evidenced by: professional maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of multi-cultural work place.
• Will exhibit effective communication skills, including proper use of agency communication systems.
• Will attend trainings necessary and relevant to the role of forensic interviewer.
• Will be responsible for participating in planned program events, activities, public awareness campaigns…etc. and will assist in educating the community on the topic of child abuse.
• Will maintain positive working relationships with investigating professionals involved in child abuse cases, such as Prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement, child protective services, mental health providers, medical providers, court appointed special advocates, guardian ad litems, domestic violence advocates, judges…etc.
• Will participate in monthly Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team meetings within each county that we officially serve and convey information regarding forensic interviews.
• Will assist in coordinating the use of SARAH’S House for conducting forensic interviews.
• Will conduct forensic interviews upon referral.
• Will assist in maintaining client files and will assist in ensuring that client files (referrals, intake, DVD, interview summaries, court documents…etc.) are stored in a secure, protected location.
• Will assist in maintaining confidentiality and follow state law guidelines in the distribution of client information.
• Will assist in typing up interview summaries upon request from investigating professionals.
• Will respond to court subpoenas and court orders as received.
• Will attend trainings necessary and relevant to the role of Victims’ Advocate.
• Will attend Family Advocacy meetings with the West Virginia child Advocacy Network.
• Will be responsible for the survey distribution and tracking within the Outcome Measurement system that is required by the National Children’s Alliance.
• Will provide the option of victims’ advocacy to every family that receives services at SARAH’S House.
• Will follow the guidelines in the Victims’ Advocacy Protocol when delivering services to families in need.
• Will provide referrals to mental health providers, medical providers and other resources as needed to families that we serve.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are a 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 an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions. Travel is required both day and night. The employee will be required to lift, stand, sit, and/or walk for extended periods of time. Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and elbows will be required. The employee will be required to possess the strength and the ability to demonstrate techniques taught in various required trainings. This position will work in an office environment. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as inclusive of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The job description does not constitute a contract, nor does it alter the at-will status of the employee/employer relationship.

EOE