Children Program Coordinator - PEE DEE COALITION

Job Summary:  The Children’s Program Coordinator, under the direct supervision of the New Beginnings Shelter Program Director, shall be responsible for the provision of counseling and advocacy services to sheltered children. Coordinator must be trauma-informed and use this approach to treatment.

Victim Assistance:

 1.       Assess client needs and coordinate services as needed.

2.       Provide advocacy for children's needs such as school clothing, school supplies, haircuts, birthdays, and holidays. 

3.       Provide advocacy services to pregnant women who come into the shelter and have nothing for their new baby.

4.       Provide individual crisis and support group counseling for children.

5.       Document all services in a timely manner and complete necessary reports as scheduled.

6.       Provide parenting groups to increase skills with the mothers of the children in the New Beginnings Transitional Shelter. Sensitize mothers to the needs of their children and ways they can support those needs to reduce the trauma of witnessing domestic violence and the ensuing homelessness.

7.       Assist mothers with applying for childcare vouchers for daycare services for their young children. 

8.       Provide bonding activities to help build and restore the relationship between the mother and child. 

9.       Connect mothers with community resources to ensure services are provided for themselves and their children. 

10.   Assess with recruiting volunteers to provide services.  

11.  Awareness of community events, activities, and special holiday giveaways. 

12.   Ensure that children are enrolled in school and assist with a smooth transition. Connect with McKinney Vento Leases at the school to ensure services are provided under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

13.   Assist children with homework as needed.

14.   Provide educational and recreational activities for children in shelter.

Inter-Agency Coordination

1.       Represent Pee Dee Coalition and take an active part in related community task forces, committees, etc.

2.       Maintain current information on available services and agency personnel for service access. Know and maintain ongoing contact with referral sources.

Community Education, Training, And Awareness

1.       Assist with the development of information and/or training materials.

2.       Provide community education and awareness on the issues of domestic violence and program services as assigned.

3.       Document all community education and training statistics and submit reports according to organizational policy.

4.       Actively disseminate brochures, crisis cards, and materials throughout the community.

5.       Assist with providing in-service trainings for professionals.

6.       Provide in-service training for school personnel on the needs of children who have experienced the trauma of witnessing domestic violence.

General Responsibilities

1.       Be familiar with grant goals and objectives and ensure compliance with required services and documentation.

2.       Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures as outlined in the Program Procedures Manual and Personnel Policies. Consult supervisor with questions.

3.       Participate in staff development trainings as indicated by supervisor. Summarize information and report accordingly.

4.       Perform administrative functions as appropriate for position and meet organizational deadlines as indicated.

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills and abilities shall include capability to provide effective crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy, and support to victims and their families; knowledge of legal system; ability to interact well with diverse persons, organizations, or groups; leadership skills; ability to function well under stress demonstrating sound judgment, familiarity with residential facilities, the ability to create a user friendly shelter that victims find welcoming and supportive, the willingness to be flexible working days, nights, weekend, and holidays.

Education Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the field of Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Elementary Education. Advanced degree preferred.