All interested applicants must complete a CAFB employment application and submit to Human Resources (HRRM@cafb.org), along with your cover letter and/or resume.

Bilingual Family Advocate

The Bilingual Family Advocate is responsible for providing case management services to English and Spanish speaking children and non-offending caregivers who have been impacted by allegations of sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, or have witnessed a violent crime.  The Bilingual Family Advocate is assigned to cases to provide support, resources, and referrals to clients and must be able to work professionally and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team setting.

The Bilingual Family Advocate is also assigned to work with English and Spanish speaking clients whose cases are with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.  The Bilingual Family Advocate provides information, support, and accompaniment services to child victims of abuse or any other child who is involved in the criminal court process.  The Bilingual Family Advocate acts as the liaison between the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office and the family and provides court orientation to children having to testify.

The Bilingual Family Advocate must have the ability to engage with children and families of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds to help restore and enhance psychosocial functioning of individuals and families adversely affected by child abuse and trauma.

The Bilingual Family Advocate acts as a liaison between the Children’s Advocacy Center and community providers to maintain the accuracy of referral materials given to clients.  The Bilingual Family Advocate is responsible for collaboration with the Clinical Family Advocates, Bilingual Clinical Family Advocates, Criminal Court Advocates, and Bilingual Criminal Court Advocates in researching, identifying, and updating psychoeducation materials provided to clients.

The Bilingual Family Advocate must possess strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Support for Forensic Interview Clients on Select Cases

• Contact caregivers prior to appointments to answer questions and process concerns.
• Implement early interventions and the psychosocial support model to address the needs of victims of child sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers.
• Support clients to identify needs and ensure that children and families have appropriate resources to heal from their abuse experience.
• Provide psychoeducation and resource coordination to appropriately address post-traumatic symptoms.
• Conduct trauma screenings with child victims who meet criteria following the forensic interview to refer to licensed staff for necessary therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct trauma screenings with caregivers to make appropriate psychotherapy and diagnostic referrals.
• Work collaboratively with caregivers and their social systems to process the development of the case.
• Ensure understanding of investigative process and the dynamics of sexual abuse.
• Provide and make appropriate referrals as needed. Refer and connect Spanish speaking clients to community providers who are equipped to engage, support, and meet the needs of Spanish speaking clients.

Support for Clients through the Criminal Court Process

• Provide support, information, and updates on the status of the court case to English and Spanish speaking children and their parents or caregivers.
• Conduct home visits with children in preparation for court.
• Provide accompaniment to children and their families to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
• Provide age-appropriate court orientation to children who may testify in court.
• Ensure that families are referred to appropriate health and social service agencies to obtain additional services as needed.
• Assist families with applications for Crime Victims’ Compensation.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships within the Criminal Justice System.

Ongoing Client Support

• Provide ongoing emotional support to restore and enhance psychosocial functioning by conducting follow up phone calls with caregivers and scheduling additional client sessions as needed.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team review meetings and consultations with partner agencies concerning Children Advocacy Center clients to ensure client’s needs are being addressed.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with Law Enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, and Forensic Interviewers in investigations of child abuse and/or investigations involving children who have been exposed to violent crimes.
• Collaborate with other Child Advocate of Fort Bend Departments to manage community donations for the Children’s Advocacy Center clients.
• Provide Follow Up Caregiver Surveys to English and Spanish speaking clients to gauge program effectiveness.
• Note all case activity and maintain case tracking documentation.

Outreach, Networking, and Referrals

• Participate in community outreach activities such as speaking engagements and fundraising events.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of psychoeducation programs for the Spanish speaking population.
• Help identify and community resources and supports who are equipped to serve Spanish speaking clients.
• Network with community providers to determine services provided.
• Educate community providers about Child Advocates of Fort Bend and Children’s Advocacy Center services.
• Host networking events for local providers including tours of Child Advocates of Fort Bend.
• Develop and maintain community provider list to include populations served, services provided, languages in which services are provided, payment options.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Family Advocates, Bilingual Family Advocates, Criminal Court Advocates, and Bilingual Criminal Court Advocates in researching, identifying, and updating psychoeducation materials provided to clients.

Professional Development

• Participate in training to enhance professional skills and development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Social Work or related field and with a minimum of one-year direct experience working with sexually and physically abused children.
• Bilingual required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Submit to a child abuse and criminal background check.
• Complete 30+ hour pre-service training
• Bending, stooping, reaching and other movement required
• Ability to lift 20 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must comply with all city, state and federal laws.
• Willingness to work in a smoke and drug free environment.
• Willingness to work some evening and weekend hours.
• Participate in the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Late Night and On Call programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Interested individuals should send a CAFB employment application, cover letter and resume to Luisa Bowers at HRRM@cafb.org.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is an equal opportunity employer.

CAFB adheres to a strict Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse Policy in our practices and operations.