Advocacy Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

ChicagoCAC employees are expected to perform their job duties and act in a manner consistent with the Core Values of the organization.

Responsibility Summary

The Advocacy Supervisor provides advocacy, crisis intervention, and short-term case management services to child victims of sexual abuse and their families who are referred to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. The supervisor is also responsible for supervision of a team of Family Advocates. This includes ensuring appropriate and well-coordinated care of all children and families served by the team. The Advocacy Supervisor ensures that his / her staff fully engage with families, implement all appropriate interventions in line with organization policy, and incorporate the value of culturally competent practice at all levels of service.

DEI&AB Culture Commitment : The Advocacy Supervisor is responsible for creating an inclusive environment that demonstrates equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging to our clients, ChicagoCAC employees, and partners. The position also assists in ChicagoCAC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB) initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities :

Advocacy Services

• Review case prior to family arriving at the center to identify any concerns or needs that the family may have prior to arrival and coordinate / communicate with Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and other CAC program areas to ensure that the families’ needs are met during the visit to the center.
• Review the case prior to family arriving to determine any specific case issues that may need to be addressed with the family and / or the MDT, and advocacy level.
• Greet child and family upon arrival at the ChicagoCAC and help prepare them for the forensic interview and investigation by explaining the process, showing them the interview room, explaining their rights, and providing information regarding the MDT members and any other steps involved with explaining the process. Complete the Family Screening Tool with the non-offending caregiver that includes a social needs screening of the family and child and a mental health screening of the child and non-offending caregiver.
• As needed (when a child or a non-offending caregiver present with a significant safety concern), with the supervision of the Director of Advocacy and Forensic Interviewing, complete a Crisis Assessment and a corresponding Safety Plan with the non-offending caregiver and the child.
• Provide information to the non-offending caregiver regarding trauma and the impact of trauma on children and families.
• Provide information to the non-offending caregiver regarding counseling and the benefits of counseling for children who have experienced sexual abuse and other forms of trauma.
• Assess the non-offending caregiver’s willingness and readiness to participate in and / or ensure his or her child participates in mental health services. Document the information regarding engagement on the Family Screening Tool.
• Engage with the non-offending caregiver, answer any questions associated with the investigation and / or services available and the effects of trauma and provide support and guidance during the investigation.
• Provide linkage for the family to mental health services through non-PATHH referrals or by facilitating the child’s placement on the centralized wait list.
• Serve as families’ liaison and representative to the multidisciplinary investigating team including during the families’ visit to the center in MDT meetings and after the visit.
• Assess families for needs and make referrals for families to appropriate social service organizations located in families’ communities.
• Provide information to the families regarding the Illinois Attorney General’s Violent Crime Victims Compensation Program.
• Follow up with families after they visit the center to facilitate referrals, answer questions, convey information, and provide on-going case management during child sexual abuse investigations.
• Remain in regular and consistent contact with the family during child sexual abuse investigations, including home visits if necessary.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled team meetings, case reviews and case staff1ings.
• Attend and participate in staff development trainings.
• Actively participate in on-going Advocacy Program development.
• In addition to working with children, Advocates may at times offer services to adults with disabilities who receive services from the center.
• Bilingual Staff – Provide translation as requested for partner agencies except for translation of legal documents such as safety plans and written statements.

Supervisory Duties

Discretion

The Advocacy Supervisor has a mid-level range of discretion and independent decision-making.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Advocacy Supervisor is responsible for direct supervision of a team of Family Advocates.

Supervisory staff are expected to participate either as a volunteer or paid attendee at organization fundraisers (including but not limited to : Luminary Award Dinner, Brew & ‘Que, Night of Heroes, etc.) Supervisory staff are also expected to participate in ChicagoCAC sponsored client / staff / community events (including but not limited to : Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities, Back to School Backpack Drive, Kid’s Holiday Party, Spirit Squad Events, etc.) It is expected that our supervisory staff participate in as many of these events as possible.

Relationships

The Advocacy Supervisor works closely with the Director of Advocacy and Forensic Interviewing, Chief Program Officer of Advocacy and Investigative Services, the Family Hope Center team and MDT leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum education requirements of a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field. Must be license eligible, LCSW or LCPC licensure preferred. At least three years of experience in the field of working with sexually abused children. At least three years of supervisory experience preferred. Fluent bi-lingual Spanish and English speaking preferred; bi-cultural staff is strongly preferred. Strong team building, problem solving, organizational, written, and oral communication skills are necessary. Demonstrated awareness of multiple cultures and the cultural impact of the delivery of service a must. Familiarity with social services in the Chicago-land area and the dynamics of child sexual abuse a plus.

In addition to making a significant impact on children’s and families’ lives, ChicagoCAC offers amazing benefits for our staff, which include :

If you share our passion for providing hope and healing to children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and possess the qualifications we’re looking for, please submit an application!

ChicagoCAC’s Compensation Philosophy :

We believe in fair compensation for your work. Our salary scale is comparable to salaries you would find in Chicago, IL. We believe our compensation program is designed to support, reinforce, and align our values, business strategy, and operational & financial needs with a goal of growth and profitability.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion :

ChicagoCAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer : BIPOC, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact our People & Culture Department at (312) 492-3700.

Salary commensurate with experience.