Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC)
Kent, Newport, Providence, & Washington Counties
GENERAL SUMMARY:
As part of the agency’s leadership team and in collaboration with the Assistant Director of RI CACs; the Director of CACs (Kent, Newport, Providence and Washington Counites) provides consistent leadership for both the CAC/CSEC team for the Rhode Island statewide system of CACs.
This leadership position requires a solid work ethic with a flexible yet responsible approach. The Director must possess strong team development skills achieved through both grass roots and more sophisticated relationship and consensus building. Must be skilled in group facilitation to lead the CAC/CSEC team and the development and growth of the MDTs for a coordinated response to child abuse cases including child exploitation. The Director leads all members of the CAC and CSEC service components fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.
As a self-directed and organized leader, the position requires a willingness to continuously learn and coach both an internal team and external partners for MDT development toward mutual goals of a coordinated response to child abuse and exploitation cases.
The CAC Director supports education and training for both staff and MDT partners to the efficacy and best practices of the CAC model, a coordinated multi-disciplinary and trauma informed approach to the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of cases of child abuse and child exploitation.
The Director is responsible for planning and effectiveness for aligning strategies, structure and process for both the CAC/CSEC team and the development and sustainability of the multi-disciplinary teams.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
- Participate in agency leadership team (ALT) meetings and all related activities as needed (policy review, development, hiring, staff training & development, fundraising, community engagement, operations, etc.)
- Responsible for oversight of all elements of a children’s advocacy center including service components of forensic interviewing, team coordination and facilitation, family advocacy/case management, commercial exploitation of children (CSEC) MDT coordination, CSEC Mentoring services and prevention/education.
- Lead all aspects of the CAC and CSEC team including direct services, record keeping and reporting, training and community outreach including on call 24/7 availability for MDT consultation and scheduling of emergency cases.
- Provide supervision, mentorship and leadership development to the CAC/CSEC team.
- Work in collaboration with the state chapter to conduct statewide need assessments in determining the training needs of Rhode Island’s MDTs related to child abuse, CSEC and other related topics.
- Conduct county-based MDT Advisory meetings including agenda planning to address MDT development and growth, and ongoing efforts to ensure best practices and compliance with accreditation standards.
- Develop communication and outreach plan with MDT partners to increase provider and community access.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Attorney General’s office, DCYF, law enforcement, hospitals, courts, mental health, schools, social service agencies.
- Assist with development and monitoring of CAC Annual budget.
- Ensure that the CAC operates in accordance with NCA accreditation standards, maintain accreditation, and develop policies and workflows to support this.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and value of diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A high level of interpersonal skills to effectively represent the agency with all partners and in the community.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills to support a variety of programming and agency needs.
- Critical thinker to effectively develop strategic planning for programmatic growth inclusive of collaborative partnerships.
- Strong leadership development skills to support staff development and growth.
- A developed understanding of issues related to child sexual abuse and exploitation and the multidisciplinary team approach to intervention and investigation.
- The ability to deal effectively in stressful situations and to handle crisis as they arise.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Site-based position with hybrid option for project specific tasks with supervisory approval.
- Community based meetings.
- Statewide travel required.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Master’s Degree in a relevant field, with considerable experience in a position with leadership responsibilities and/or any combination of education and experience that is substantially equivalent.
- 2+ years Supervisory experience.
- Strong writing skills and grant writing experience preferred.
- Experience working with children impacted by abuse and exploitation, law enforcement, child protective services and prosecution agencies preferred.
- Knowledge and proficiency in Office 365.
