Child Advocate

Recruiting Opportunity Closes: 03.13.2025

Hourly Wage: $21.47 - $27.00 DOE

Hours Per Week: 40

Status: Non-Exempt / Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Department: West Women's and Children's Shelter

Position Title: Child Advocate

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

West Women's Mission Statement:

We create a safe nurturing environment for survivors to realize their potential for healing and growth as we work together to end domestic violence.

Application Instructions:

Complete the online job application, upload a resume.

To apply online go to: Child Advocate

To apply in person go to 6655 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220. Bring a resume and complete the job application provided to you. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Questions, contact Barbara Dupaix at barbara.dupaix@usw.salvationarmy.org or call (503) 731-3910. Ms. Dupaix is the sole point of contact for questions regarding this position.

Recruiting Accommodation Statement:

To obtain assistance with accommodations related to the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning your application process, please contact 1-888-887-6528 or email thq.reporting.line@usw.salvationarmy.org, attention Eric Hansen or Sheila Jordan.

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EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
Preferred: BA/BS in Human Services field plus experience in a social service setting working with vulnerable populations and/or trauma survivors. Direct experience working with children, especially in a social service setting. Commitment to children's issues required; understanding of early childhood development required.

Considered: Equivalent work and life experience connected to working with vulnerable populations and/or Trauma Survivors. Bi-lingual skills or multi-cultural experience plus.

SCOPE OF POSITION: Provide nurturing support to children and families at West Women's shelter through age-appropriate activities. Create a stable, safe environment for children from birth to 18 years who have experienced domestic violence and crisis situations. Design engaging individual and group programs that promote healing and normalcy. Maintain clean, organized spaces for children's activities. This role focuses on meeting the unique needs of traumatized children and helping family units rebuild their sense of security and well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Maintain professional relationships while upholding confidentiality standards and professional guidelines
* Build community partnerships to expand family activities for shelter survivors
* Facilitate play and learning activities for children, keeping them supervised at all times
* Keep all children within sight and voice range at all times.
* Collaborate with the family/children's team, providing thorough documentation for case files
* Maintain a safe, clean, orderly and child-proof environment in the Children's Program area and additional play areas on a daily basis.
* Provide Family Advocacy, Supportive Services, and Family Case Management to participants applying the assertive engagement and trauma informed care model.
* Connect families (children) with resources to enhance safety, self-sufficiency, and housing stability
* Maintain participant files with appropriate forms and information. Log pertinent information in a timely fashion as related to Children and their advocacy. Maintain all appropriate forms relating to Children's Program.
* Empower participants through advocacy and support
* Perform appropriate statistical and data entry tasks in a timely fashion.
* Collaborate with internal and external partners to support participant success and safety
* Provide front desk coverage as needed and required during your shift.
* Always attend to the safety and security needs of the shelter.
* Maintain high ethical standards in all case consultation with peers and outside agencies or Programs/Referrals
* Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and VAWA standards
* Organizes projects, set priorities, calculate, catalogue, inspect, analyze, plan, comprehend, and cooperate with others
* Work on multiple simultaneous projects in an environment characterized by interruptions and noise from ringing telephones, printers, copiers, and walk-in traffic, multiple deadlines, and competing priorities.
* Must be able to work with minimal supervision and be comfortable working with a high degree of independence. May be required to make independent decisions that may involve unique or unusual situations and/or complex issues and dealing with demanding requests and/or timelines.
* Be present and on time for all staff meetings as assigned.
* Remain awake and engaged in meaningful program activities throughout the day.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
* Ability to prioritize multiple requests and demands from residents and their Children.
* High level of problem-solving skills.
* High level of patience.
* A genuine concern for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
* Maintain confidentiality and privacy.
* Must be willing to advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE-RELATED SKILLS:
* Utilize Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Outlook and Excel) or later Software
* Use Networked computers and printers Use a Photo Copier and Scanner
* Motor vehicle Experience as needed
* Utilize and Understand Reporting Databases (such as Service Point, Osnium, MS Excel)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
* Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead
* Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer - Ability to operate telephone
* Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (usually file boxes)
* Ability to understand written information in English

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is a reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

SUPERVISOR: Director or Program Manager