Job Description

Children’s Advocate                             

• Full Time/Non-Exempt: 36-hours a week
• Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• $40,000 annually

The Bridge for Kids is a dynamic childcare center dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education and care to children within our community who are part of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) movement. We are committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive amidst challenging circumstances. Joining our team means having the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of young learners and contribute significantly to their developmental journey.
The Bridge for Kids is committed to implementing trauma-informed practices to ensure that every child has fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Providing crisis intervention services, your compassionate efforts will make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
As a Children's Advocate, you'll have the opportunity to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive despite challenging circumstances
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families affected by developmental delays, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Join us in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can reach their full potential.
Main Responsibilities:
The Bridge is seeking a Children’s Advocate who works to provide individual and group services to youth survivors of domestic/sexual violence and child abuse, through a trauma informed approach. The Children’s Advocate works in partnership with the family to ensure a comprehensive, timely response to develop a supportive service plan that addresses the youth’s safety, survival, and developmental needs. The children’s advocate also works in collaboration with the Casework team, Parent Educator team, Therapist team, and outside agencies to provide efficient services to the families in the Residential Shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.
The Children’s Advocate plays a key role in supporting the early childhood environment by role modeling intervention techniques to design and implement engaging educational and recreational activities that promote learning, growth, and enjoyment for children and their families. Through the use of the Strengths, Needs, and Trauma Exposure Assessment tool, the advocate develops a supportive plan for the child. Prepares and orientates children and families to the agency's programs by providing information regarding the impact of the domestic violence, minimizing psychological trauma, and encouraging developing structural routines.
Maintains up-to-date professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops on Understanding Trauma, ACE's, Child Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health 101, legal advocacy, and program development; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; and participating in professional societies. Acts as liaison between school district and families to ensure district compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act, providing educational advocacy regarding 504 plans, ARD meeting, special education services and addressing behavioral concerns to support the academic and emotional needs of children.
Provides supportive services to youth within our program by conducting ongoing individual sessions addressing the impact of trauma exposure, through psycho-educational programming, safety planning and developing healthy coping skills. Provides crisis intervention services by supporting our 24-hour hotline and being available on a rotating basis to provide on-site advocacy at local hospitals on a 24-hour basis.
Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year demonstrated experience in education, childcare, or case management.
• If applicable, bilingual Spanish/English required.
• Must be able to work flexible schedule; primarily Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed to meet program needs.
• Basic understanding of childhood development.
• Must be able to work flexible schedule; primarily Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed to meet program needs.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic/sexual violence and the impact on children of all ages.
• Good communication skills; both verbal and written.
• Ability to quickly establish rapport and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to document in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patient, nurturing, and compassionate attitude towards children.

Preferred, but not required
 

• Associate’s /Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Education (Early Childhood), Public Administration, Social Work, or other fields related to psychological and social development or equivalent experience, highly desired.
• High School/GED and a minimum of three (3) years' experience providing child advocacy, preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Other Requirements

• Must pass criminal background investigation check
• Must provide and maintain current TX Driver’s License
• Must provide and maintain clean driving record and annually update driving record
• Must provide and maintain current auto liability insurance
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S
• Must be able to stand, bend, kneel, stretch, ascend/descend stairs and lift/carry up to 40lbs. in emergency shelter setting

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Long Term Disability Programs, Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan - 403(b), Employee is always fully vested
• 36-hour work week
• Up to 17 Agency Holidays -
• Opportunities for professional development and training