SAFE CHILDREN COORDINATOR
Family Shelter Service, an agency providing help and hope for victims of domestic violence and their children since 1976, is looking to hire an experienced Safe Children Coordinator.
This full time, (40 hours/week) position is responsible for coordinating agency wide child and family services and supervising the Safe Children Advocates. The Coordinator provides short-term group and domestic violence support services, and maintains a leadership role in providing ongoing training and professional staff development while building the Safe Children team. Supervises interns and volunteers, as appropriate. Collaborates with co-workers to develop effective programming; to support one another in our professional efforts; and to create and maintain a professional and respectful environment in which growth and healing can take place for both clients and staff.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Oversees the Safe Children Program. Models initiative by planning, developing and implementing interventions that encourage skill building and stabilization skills.
2. Is committed to building programs which supports faster, greater and more equal access to services so our clients can thrive, not just survive.
3. Coordinates and facilitates the group supervision of the Safe Children Advocates.
4. Is responsible for the creating, planning and implementation of moms, teen, tween and children’s education groups and the Mom and Kids Group.
5. Assumes responsibility for relevant grant monitoring and reporting.
6. Provides supervision to the Safe Children Advocates and assigns appropriate child clients.
7. Has a team-oriented approach and provides coaching and support to Safe Children Advocates for appropriate crisis management, non-violent communication and conflict resolution. Promotes positive and nurturing interactions.
8. In collaboration with the Director of Safer Living, is responsible for the hiring, supervising and evaluating of the Safe Children Advocates, interns and volunteers.
9. Responsible for scheduling staff. Coordinates and oversees part-time staff, interns and volunteers; maintains and updates curricula; schedules, sets-up and maintains group and counseling rooms; maintains adequate children’s supplies and materials.
10. Rotates “on call” responsibilities.
11. Builds and maintains relationships with community partners and is knowledgeable of referrals, advocacy, case management and domestic violence support.
12. Able to administer and train staff in the use and interpretation of children’s assessments.
13. Provides direct service to child clients, parents and families by carrying an individual case load of no less than three and no more than five individual clients. Will also co-facilitate no less than two and no more than three groups.
14. Promotes family strength, safety and well-being by assisting families in learning non-violent/non-abusive methods of communication and discipline strategies.
15. Provides training regarding children and domestic violence for the agency and in the community.
16. Provides timely and proper documentation of client contact; performs quarterly client file audits.
17. Performs regular program evaluations.
18. Responsible for monitoring and responding to the number of children and families waiting for service.
19. Attends appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field of domestic violence and prevention.
Relationships:
1. Supervised by the Director of Safer Living
2. Supervises Safe Children Advocates, interns and volunteers
3. Meets regularly with the Director of Safer Living, Safe Home Coordinator and Safe Adults Coordinator to manage the development of teams and programming to all clients.
Qualifications and Characteristics:
1. Education: Master’s Degree in psychology, social work or related field required.
2. Experience: Previous supervisory experience preferred. Required 3 year minimum experience in social services or Domestic Violence field. Experience and interest in program creation preferred. Experience in groups, advocacy and individual domestic violence support.
3. Training: 40 hour Domestic Violence training preferred, but required at the first available opportunity. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional credential preferred, but required within the first year of employment.
4. Technical: Must be able to evaluate and measure program accomplishments, gaps, needs and alternative approaches; must possess strong administrative/organizational skills.
5. Personal: Demonstrates self-awareness, insight, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth. Values and practices respectful, non-violent communication.
6. Leadership: Responds appropriately in varied situations and is able to function independently. Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility and good judgment. Values mentoring and developing young professionals. Demonstrates commitment to teamwork and a collaborative decision-making model.
7. Able to work and cultivate the relationship with DCFS. Acts as the primary advocate for our clients and is a strong advocate for the non-offending parent. Understands the impact of trauma and Trauma-Informed Care.
8. Has strong clinical skills, knowledge of parent/child relationships, attachment, family systems and the impact of trauma on children. Experienced working with special needs populations.
9. Demonstrates effectiveness working with diverse populations.
Special Conditions:
1. Must have privately owned vehicle, valid driver’s license, good driving record and liability insurance.
2. Position requires some variable evening and/or weekend hours. Able to travel between locations and partnering agencies.
3. Must be able to operate general office equipment.
4. Able to lift 50-pounds.
Located in Wheaton, Illinois, Family Shelter Service offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision, flexible work schedule and the opportunity to participate in the 403(b) retirement program.
To apply for this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to:
For more information about Family Shelter Service visit our website at: www.familyshelterservice.org
Family Shelter Service is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.