Job Description

About the agency. Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is a comprehensive domestic violence program annually serving over 7,700 adult and child survivors of domestic violence & facilitating an intervention program to nearly 300 people who use abuse. We are advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected by domestic violence. Our mission is to strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors. All staff learn about and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values of Safety, Uplifting Others, Compassion, Courage, Equity, Survivor-Centered Advocacy, and Stewardship (SUCCESS). In addition, the principles of Sanctuary (a model for providing trauma informed care) and continuous improvement infuse all aspects of the organization. Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is a comprehensive domestic violence program annually serving over 7,700 adult and child survivors of domestic violence & facilitating an intervention program to nearly 300 people who use abuse. We are advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected by domestic violence. Our mission is to strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors. All staff learn about and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values of Safety, Uplifting Others, Compassion,  Courage, Equity, Survivor-Centered Advocacy, and Stewardship (SUCCESS). In  addition, the principles of Sanctuary (a model for providing trauma-informed care) and continuous improvement infuse all aspects of the organization.

About the role. As a Children’s Behavioral Support Advocate, you will provide direct service, advocacy, and childcare to child and teen victims of domestic violence and assist with identifying their counseling needs. You will have the ability to use your creativity to develop structured programming for children, administer assessments to mothers to identify the unique needs of their children, and be a resourceful problem solver with a welcoming, non-judgmental demeanor. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, it is important that you understand abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner violence (IPV), cycle of abuse, power and control dynamics, child abuse, neglect, and trauma. The successful candidate is sensitive to trauma and cultural diversity issues and is passionate about ending domestic violence. This role will be based out of the WC&S Children’s Advocacy Program, which is housed in the main WC&S facility.

This role provides you with the opportunity to showcase your active listening, case management, communication, creativity, and assessment skills, and the ability to contribute to the organization’s mission in a variety of ways. If you are comfortable working with children, teens, and parents to help them thrive, practicing trauma-informed care, working in a team environment, and are passionate about working with populations experiencing intimate partner violence, we are eager to hear from you. WC&S will offer you an environment that provides endless opportunities to advance your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Here’s what you will do:

• Nurture, care for, oversee activities of, and attend to daily living needs of children/youth 0-17 while their mothers attend support groups and counseling, go to court or other appointments, and pursue their goals
• Support the identification of needs of mothers for specific parenting challenges and demands and collaborate with parent/guardian to explore options/solutions
• Following training from the Director of Programs and Children’s Counselor, administer the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) Assessment Tool, or another WC&S-approved assessment tool, to identify individual needs of the child(ren) and identify needs of mothers for specific parenting issues
• Create and provide information, referrals, and resources for mothers pertaining to the needs of their children
• Provide case management to mothers and children
• Provide individual and group advocacy to clients utilizing CAP space and services
• Design or arrange internal structured programs for children with supervisor and other Direct Service Advocates
• Provide intake interview with mother (or guardian of the child/ren; expecting youth and adult clients) to identify individual needs of the child
• This position requires being available Mondays & Tuesdays 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Wednesdays through Fridays, 12:30pm – 8:30pm
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Here’s what we are looking for:

• Associate degree in child development or related field (commensurate experience will be considered)
• At least two (2) years of experience working with children/youth
• Ability to learn and apply how to assess behavioral and emotional issues
• Experience working with child mental health issues, including spectrum disorders
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstration of the understanding of abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner violence, cycle of abuse, power and control dynamics, cultural diversity issues and child abuse and neglect
• Ability to establish healthy boundaries, trust, respect, and rapport with others
• Ability to understand and adhere to strict confidentiality and safety procedures
• Strong command of general technology, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite is required; familiarity and understanding of information technology, including Salesforce, Tableau, and Teams strongly preferred
• Desire to work in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its values
• Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances required

Typical Starting Salary: $36,000/year, plus eligible for $1-$4/hr shift premium differential for any hours worked outside of assigned schedule

About the benefits. WC&S offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including generous paid time off; health, vision, and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; group life insurance; retirement plan with employer matching; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; Headspace meditation and mindfulness app subscription; Access Perks membership; paid training and professional development opportunities; and is a Public Service [Student] Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.

WC&S is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that both applicants and employees are treated without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, hairstyle, age, disability, using guide or support animals for a disability, genetic information (including family medical history), familial status, citizenship status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: Advocacy, children, Domestic Violence, and youth. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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