Child Advocacy Specialist

at Sunlight Children's Services in El Dorado, Kansas, United States

Job Description

The Child Advocacy Specialist reports to the CAC Director and works closely with the Clinical Director to support victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers throughout the investigative and treatment process.

This role provides trauma-informed advocacy, conducts legally defensible forensic interviews, and helps connect families with mental health services. The position serves as a liaison between families, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and the clinical team to ensure coordinated care from the initial interview through case resolution and treatment services.

The employee must demonstrate the ability to work with sensitive subject matter, recognize signs of personal stress response, maintain strict confidentiality, and support families through difficult circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Family Advocacy & Mental Health Coordination (75% of time)

• Welcome families to the CAC and build rapport to help them feel comfortable in the environment.
• Explain the CAC process, MDT response, and forensic interview process to victims and non-offending caregivers.
• Meet with caregivers to complete CAC intake documentation.
• Inform victims and caregivers of their rights and assist with Crime Victims Compensation applications as required by Kansas statute.
• Serve as the primary liaison between families and MDT members.
• Provide ongoing case management and maintain updated electronic case files.
• Notify families of court hearings, sentencings, and other legal updates when notified by the County Attorney’s Office.
• Attend court proceedings when appropriate, including CINC hearings, PFA/PFS hearings, criminal hearings, and case meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and provide referrals for needed services.
• Participate in monthly MDT Case Review meetings and provide case updates.
• Meet with caregivers and victims following the forensic interview to discuss mental health needs.
• Conduct a trauma screening (when appropriate) to determine eligibility for mental health services.
• Educate families on the importance of trauma-informed mental health treatment.
• Explain the mental health intake process and help families begin services.
• Assist caregivers with online client portal setup and intake paperwork.
• Provide tours of the mental health space and introduce families to the clinical process.
• Help manage incoming mental health referrals and prospective client lists.
• Support scheduling, appointment reminders, and family follow-up.
• Assist with mental health surveys and outcome measures when required.
• Provide referrals to outside mental health providers when services are not available internally.
• Stay current on community mental health resources and referral networks.

Forensic Interviewing (25% of time)

• Conduct legally defensible forensic interviews with children and adolescents.
• Participate in MDT pre- and post-interview case discussions.
• Observe forensic interviews conducted by other trained staff when appropriate.
• Prepare for and provide testimony in legal proceedings as a fact or expert witness when requested.
• Participate in peer review of forensic interviews.
• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in forensic interviewing.
• Maintain training and education requirements to meet National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards.
• Complete 40 hours of forensic interview training within six months of hire.
• Participate in CAC on-call rotation as required.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with CAC staff, clinicians, law enforcement, DCF, medical providers, and prosecutors.
• Assist with outreach and community education regarding child abuse prevention and response.
• Maintain accurate documentation in CAC and mental health databases/EHR systems.
• Attend required CAC, advocacy, and mental health trainings.
• Follow all Sunlight Children’s Services policies and confidentiality standards.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with highly sensitive and traumatic subject matter.
• Strong trauma-informed engagement skills with children and caregivers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, adolescents, and families.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and critical thinking.
• Strong organizational and case documentation skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Office and electronic records systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; lift up to 40 pounds. This job requires occasionally driving.