Job Description

POSITION: FAMILY ADVOCATE

General responsibilities:  

Under the direction of the Family Advocacy Program Director, the Family Advocate has primary responsibility for providing victim advocacy, accompaniment, follow-up, information/referral, and support services to primary and secondary victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other crimes against children, as well as to their non-offending family members. Participate in community interactions which promote visibility and awareness of the programs and services of the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center (MRCCAC). Understand the purpose and function of the MRCCAC and are knowledgeable of all existing policies and procedures. This position will travel between MRCCAC satellite offices in Midland, Andrews, and Howard counties. 

 
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :

Victim Services:

• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and education to non-offending caregivers of child victims and/or witnesses.
• Assess the needs of children and families and provide appropriate referrals. 
• Provide liaison and follow-up services between families and investigators or outside resources.
• Inform clients of the progress of their cases through the criminal and civil court system.
• Inform clients of their rights, Victim’s Compensation Act, Texas VINE, privileges, and rules of confidentiality. Assist clients in completing and submitting Crime Victim’s Compensation forms.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and accompaniment at the hospital, law enforcement agencies, and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Work after hours as needed when volunteers are unavailable or request assistance.

Multidisciplinary Team:

• Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) in Midland, Andrews, and Big Spring.
• Make any necessary recommendations regarding needed follow-up for the child and the family.
• Participate and/or facilitate child MDT meetings in Midland, Andrews, and Big Spring.
• Liaison between Law Enforcement, District Attorney, County Attorney, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Midland Memorial Hospital, MRCCAC Therapists, and other community agencies as needed. Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team. 

Coordination and Administration:

• Document thoroughly to maintain case files, statistical reports, etc., and input appropriate information into program databases.
• Attend MDT meetings in Midland, Andrews, and Big Spring; Victim’s Coalition meetings; agency staffing meetings; CAC Program staffing meetings; and personal supervision meetings.
• Attend other meetings and in-services, professional training, and conferences as self-directed or requested by the FA Program Director or Executive Director.
• Participate in improved collaboration efforts with community agencies.
• Work with the FA Program Director to develop and carry out evaluation procedures.
• Assist the FA Program Director/MRCCAC Board in fundraising efforts as needed.
• Perform other duties as directed by the FA Program Director or Executive Director.

EDUCATION:

• A baccalaureate degree is required in social work or a related field that relates to the mission and objectives of the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of trauma and child sexual abuse.
• Understanding of the law and the legal system, and implications related to child abuse investigations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse professionals from child protection, law enforcement, court systems, and related community services.
• Experience in needs assessment of victims and families and identification of appropriate referrals.
• Ability to effectively organize a variety of tasks and deal with a wide variety of people.
• Proven ability to work with all victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and child abuse without bias or prejudice regarding prostitution, drug abuse, abortion, use of alcohol, differences in abilities, age, race, color, sexual orientation, creed, or religious affiliation.

The MRCCAC provides support, hope, and healing for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse in the Permian Basin and surrounding counties. Our goal is to eradicate all forms of abuse through education and empowerment, but until that day we will provide every service possible for survivors to help them move forward. How We Got Started In 1979, the Midland Rape Crisis Center opened its doors and began providing sexual assault services to sexual assault survivors. The agency was the product of a group of individuals and law enforcement representatives who were concerned about rape and its consequences. In September 1996, the Center proudly added the Children’s Advocacy Center program. The Children’s Advocacy Center program was established in an effort to enhance the sensitivity and responsiveness of the criminal and civil justice systems to victims of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. The Center added a satellite office in Andrews County in 2007 and in Howard County in 2018. Where We Are Now The agency is now known as the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center. The Center has expanded its comprehensive services to help survivors of sexual assault, survivors of sexual abuse as well as survivors of homicide victims in Midland, Andrews, Big Spring, and surrounding counties. The Center’s services are offered at no cost. The Center is now comprised of four programs: Crisis and Support Services Children’s Advocacy Center Therapy Education The Center’s programs are funded by federal and state grants, the United Way of Midland-Andrews-Big Spring, grants from local foundations, agency fundraisers, and private contributions.

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