Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer

Kodiak Area Native Association

  • Kodiak, AK
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Job Description:Provides culturally competent direct advocacy services and crisis intervention to child victims and their non-offending family members. The Advocate will serve as a resource on the dynamics of abuse, responses of children, child development and psycho-social needs of child victims; organize the logistics of CAC services; provides information related to CAC procedures; ensures the safety of children and families at the CAC facility; conducts child forensic interviews; and provides on-going case management services for CAC clients and families.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Supports the organization's mission and goals and quality standards. Embraces KANA's culture of serving the whole person through our provision of services. Incorporates KANA's core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride in all activities and decisions.
  • Upholds KANA's Code of Ethics by conducting professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, and good faith in a manner that reflects positively upon the organization.
  • Supports development and implementation of multidisciplinary response to allegations of child maltreatment.
  • Serves as an advocate on behalf of victims (and their non-offending caregivers) of child maltreatment to include providing information to victims about processes of the systems they may encounter (the child advocacy center, court, V.C.C.B.), normal responses to trauma for victims and their caregivers, court advocacy, and evaluations in strict accordance with safety and confidentiality policies and procedures. Assists non-offending caregivers to prepare court required documents as needed or requested (protective orders, declarations, etc.) Preparing and attending court activities with non-offending caregivers and children.
  • Assists the child and non-offending caregiver during the initial response including preparing the child/family for the forensic interview and medical evaluation, providing support to the non-offending caregiver, and explaining the legal process to the caregiver and child.
  • Provides logistical support for the child and non-offending family, including arranging transportation, assistance with appointments for services, etc.
  • Conveys child's and non-offending caregiver's concerns and abilities to prosecutor and MDT members.
  • Coordinates and provides ongoing support and victim assistance services.
  • Coordinates with KANA and community-based response teams to act as liaison between the Kodiak Multidisciplinary Team, KANA staff, Tribal Councils, and other state and federal agencies as needed.
  • Conduct child forensic interviews for the Child Advocacy Center on children 3-18 years of age and occasionally developmentally challenged adults as needed utilizing National Children's Alliance accredited Protocol such as ChildFirst Alaska™.
  • Participate in Investigations of all forms of child maltreatment as an active member of the Multidisciplinary team and be able to defend the Child First protocol as an expert witness in court.
  • Provide testimony in court as needed and required by the role of forensic interviewer.
  • Participate in quarterly peer reviews with local Kodiak forensic interviewers and participate in monthly online peer review.
  • Coordinates and assists to provide training on child abuse related prevention/intervention outreach and activities with KANA Programs, Tribal and community partners; develops and disseminates informational resources for victims and service providers.
  • Maintains client intake and data tracking system and all program records in an orderly and strictly confidential manner, per KANA and funder requirements.
  • Assists with required written reports, and preparation of proposals to sustain program as assigned.
  • Attends meetings and assists coordination of trainings, including arrangement of any related travel for project partners.
  • Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • On Call duties may be assigned for this position.
Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities.Requirements:High School diploma or equivalent with three years related experience working with families, children, or advocacy. Education level and concentration will be considered in combination with experience. Associate's Degree in related field preferred. Must be able to participate in ongoing training to improve/maintain skills in Victim Advocacy.

Kodiak Area Native Association