Child and Family Advocate

**About the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre**:
The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre is a dynamic and supportive workplace, known for offering specialized services to individuals and families impacted by sexual violence and child abuse in Southwestern Alberta. As leaders and content experts, we are committed to creating meaningful social and justice change through evidence-based, evaluated programs. Our client-centered, culturally responsive services prioritize the needs of those we serve, while fostering a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. We invest in ongoing training and upskilling for our team, and our **Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre** stands as a cornerstone of our impactful work in the community. Join us and make a difference in a compassionate and inclusive environment.

**Position Summary**

Working within the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CCYAC), a dedicated child abuse response, intervention, and prevention program, and reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Child and Family Advocate is integral to creating a safe and supportive environment, assisting families throughout the investigative, judicial, and therapeutic processes, and coordinating services to ensure seamless, trauma-informed care. The Advocate will work closely with multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners, including law enforcement, child protection, mental health, and medical professionals, to provide a coordinated response that prioritizes the well-being and resilience of the children and families served.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Advocacy and Support**_
- Provide trauma-informed advocacy and support to children, youth, and their families throughout their involvement with the CYAC and justice system
- Accompany children and families to interviews, medical examinations, court proceedings, and other appointments as needed
- Explain legal processes, victims' rights, and available services in age-appropriate and accessible language
- Advocate for the best interests of children and youth within multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews
- **Case Management**_
- Conduct needs assessments to identify immediate and long-term support requirements for children and families
- Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with families and other professionals
- Provide referrals to appropriate community resources, including mental health services, medical care, and social support programs
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records, documenting all interactions and interventions
- **Emotional Support and Crisis Intervention**_
- Offer emotional support and crisis intervention to children and families throughout their engagement with the CYAC
- Provide psychoeducation about trauma, coping strategies, and the healing process
- Facilitate support groups for non-offending caregivers and siblings when appropriate
- **Collaboration and Coordination**_
- Work closely with multidisciplinary team members, including law enforcement, child protection services, medical professionals, and mental health providers
- Participate in case review meetings and contribute to coordinated service delivery
- Liaise with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for children and families
- **Education and Outreach**_
- Conduct presentations and training sessions for community partners on child abuse prevention, trauma-informed care, and the CYAC model
- Develop educational materials for children, families, and professionals on child rights, the justice system, and available support services
- Participate in community awareness events and initiatives related to child protection and advocacy

**Required Skills**:

- **Soft Skills**_
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with children and families affected by trauma
- Strong commitment to child rights and child protection
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse family structures and backgrounds
- Resilience and ability to identify and manage secondary trauma
- Knowledge of community resources and how to access
- **Technological Skills**_
- Competence in use of Microsoft suite, use of iPads
- Competence in use of client data bases
- Attention and protection of data and technology assets
- **Specialized Skills**_
- Excellent communication skills - both written and oral
- Excellent translation of trauma informed practice
- Understanding of adverse childhood experiences
- Ability to work with children, youth and families
- Excellent rapport building skills
- Strong advocacy skills
- Practical knowledge of justice system, child protection services and victim rights

**Requirements**:

- Vulnerable Persons Check
- Children Services Check
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying informed/updated or best practices in the field
- Commitment to use of