Child Advocate Manager

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, communications, or a related social science, and two years of experience in a program focusing on child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching or supervising volunteers; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required prior to employment. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience may be considered for trainee status.
All individuals hired after February 1, 2020, must obtain a Child Advocate Manager Certification offered by the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire date. Maintain certification during the duration of employment.  Agency pays costs of certification. (Please note: The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for the required education and experience.) -Revised: January 16, 2020

Position Summary

This position encompasses a broad range of managerial, consultative, administrative, advocacy and leadership activities. The Child Advocate Manager may also supervise a group of GAL child advocate volunteers.  

Examples of Duties

Some examples of a “typical” working day may include the following:

• Consulting with assistant child advocate managers and members of the child advocacy team

 

• Overseeing the work of GAL child advocate volunteers

 

• Gathering and documenting pertinent case information

 

• Providing best interests advocacy recommendations to the advocacy team or to the court

 

• Preparing written reports to the court

 

• Attending internal and external case-related court hearings, depositions, case plan conferences, dependency mediations, staffing’s and meetings

 

• Visiting or consulting with assigned caseload children, caregivers, schools or service providers

 

• Utilizing the organization’s database and reporting systems

 

• Participating in internal and external training, meetings and conferences

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of case management, social support services and concepts of child development

 

• Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health

 

• Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System

 

• Knowledge of Florida Statutes relating to child welfare and protection

 

• Self-motivated and achievement oriented 

 

• Strong desire to learn and pursue personal development

 

• Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to meet deadlines

 

• Excellent oral, written and computer literacy skills

 

• Ability to take direction and work as part of a team

 

• Ability to effectively interact with and/or influence people of diverse backgrounds

 

• Ability to exercise discretion, respect privacy and maintain confidentiality

 

• Ability  to maintain a professional and effective demeanor in emotional or traumatic situations

 

• Ability to coach, instruct and motivate volunteers

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Computer Purchase Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

$45,468.80 Annually