Job Details

JOB SUMMARY: The primary responsibility of a Child Advocate is to provide a safe, healthy and nurturing environment which fosters physical, emotional, social, personal, creative and language development in the children under their care.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Child Advocate shall be at least 21 years of age and shall have at least a high school diploma or general education development (GED) certificate. The Child Advocate shall be responsible, mature individuals of reputable character who exercise sound judgment and show the ability to provide good care for children. It is preferable the Child Advocate have a minimum of one year experience working with children in a day care or residential setting. A valid driver's license, good driving record, and proof of insurance are required. Additionally, Child Advocates must be able to pass required background screening, physical and TB screening.

Schedule: The Child Advocate position offers a set schedule determined with employee prior to start date. Child Advocates are required to work every other weekend to ensure staffing for 24/7 care.

Responsibilities:
This position shall include day to day care of the children in the program including but not limited to:

• Responsible for reading, understanding, and implementing all agency polices that are approved by the Board of Directors
• Provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for the children and families under the licensing regulations identified by the Division of Social Services
• Provide a positive and successful environment for the children and families at Isabel's House
• Maintain child to staff ratio's at all times
• Prepare for shift work; i.e. read files, read logs, check mailbox
• Maintain a healthy environment and supervise personal hygiene of children
• Manage children's activities and leisure time
• Assist children in school homework and activities
• Exercise agency approved discipline and guidance policies and techniques for the children of Isabel's House
• Utilize service plans and behavior plans developed by the House Manager and/or Family
• Advocates to address the needs of the children
• Accurately complete required documentation for all children's records
• Engage in overall care of house, included but not limited to housekeeping and laundry; maintain appropriate documentation
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and adhere to HIPAA guidelines
• Transport children to and from school and/or activities
• Answer phones and the door when needed
• Assist in donations and inventory process
• Assist in well child exams

Abilities and Skills:

• Maintain healthy professional adult behavior with the children, families, co-workers and volunteers at all time
• Exercise sound judgment at all times
• Communicate effectively with all team members (written, oral, electronically)
• Role model healthy professional adult behavior and provide social guidance
• Provide appropriate guidance and management techniques for children
• Work under pressure and be flexible in a fast paced environment
• Work as a team player
• Problem solve under pressure and do multiple tasks
• Display creativity and initiative

Other Duties:

• Complete agency required training on an annual and on-going basis including attending mandatory trainings
• Attend regularly scheduled team meetings
• Work effectively with volunteers

Work Conditions:

• Lift children weighing up to 50 pounds
• Health risks due to daily contact with children
• Work every other weekend
• Work other shifts when necessary