Child & Family Specialist Team Leader

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Works closely with children and families in child abuse investigation and medical exam setting serving as emotional support and helping families develop coping strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completed at least two years of college course work in a related field of study (Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Human Studies); OR equivalent yeas of experience working with youth.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass an annual criminal and child abuse background check and continually meet the requirements of the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.

Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Prepares child for forensic interview or forensic medical exam (high trauma) in advance to reduce the stress and anxiety children and families experience related to the criminal justice process in which the child(ren) alone is the key witness.
• Reduces child and family distress, increases effective child and family coping, and fosters child victim independence.
• Observe signs of trauma, reluctance to participate in forensic interview or medical exam, high emotions and behaviors of withdrawal. Reports observations to nurse practitioner and forensic interviewer. 
• Collaborate with detective, caseworker, and forensic interviewer to advocate for the child’s needs during the interview process.
• Facilitates victims with Crime Victim Reparation application submissions and tracks application status in order to update victims and their families.
• Monitors the behavior of children visiting the Children’s Justice Center and responds to distressed children to support, reassure and reduce stress for the children. Engages in various activities to increase their comfort.
• Prepares Crisis Intervention Kits for caregivers with CVR applications and educational materials based on specific needs of family to promote coping strategies. Creates kits for Spanish-speaking clients.
• Conducts parent feedback surveys in person and over the telephone to gather feedback as required by the NCA OMS (Outcome Measurement System). Conducts data entry on paper survey results.
• Conducts victim feedback forms with children and teens to improve services provided by the Children’s Justice Center.
• Conducts supportive follow up calls to caregivers to assess victims and family adjustment and determine unmet needs. Refers ongoing needs to CJC staff to resolve their specific problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of:

• Basic structure of criminal justice system
• Meeting the needs of children and family members with a focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• General office practices and the ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Child development

Skills and Abilities to:

• Methods to comfort and soothe children in a state of distress.
• Maintain client privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients and professionals.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Multitask while under pressure or strict deadlines.
• Remain calm and assertive in stressful situations.
• Works under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of in-person visitors who may be displeased, distressed, angry or difficult to assist.
• Effectively apply general principles to specific situations
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Act independently as appropriate
• Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships

Additional Information

Must be able to stoop, bend and sit on the floor with children.

Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment, and child abuse investigation settings, and in other community-based organizations as needed to coordinate services. CJC staff work regularly with clients in crisis situations and who have experienced significant trauma and abuse.

Work hours are traditional office hours (8:00 – 5:00) but may occasionally extend outside of those hours to accommodate victims, urgent child abuse investigations.