Time Well Spent

As I end this Journey , I look back over the last eight weeks and I have changed in so many ways.  I look at the ECE field more globally than before.  I realize now that I can make a difference in the ECE field by reaching how to my Community of Partners.  I also realize it start networking and utilizing all the resources that are available I can be a successful child advocate.  I am so impressed with all the wonderful organizations and ECE professionals that advocate for all children.

To my wonderful colleagues:

Thank you so much for all your insightful discussions, responses and blogs.  I am so honored to be working in our industry with some of the best ECE professionals.  I have no doubt that we will make a difference in all the children that enter our lives.  

To Professor Johnna Darragh: 

I want to thank you most of all for all your wonderful advice and support through the last eight weeks.  I have learned more about the ECE field in this class than my last 17 years.  I am more confident in who I am as a person and professional child advocate.

My goal:  To one day receive my law degree and fight for more rights for children in the foster care system

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Save The Children:

The reason why I chose this international organization is because they believe high-quality early childhood education is an investment this country needs to make in order to give all kids a strong start. Save The Children thinks if we have a comprehensive, national early childhood education program would add $2 trillion to the annual GDP within a generation, according to the Brookings Institution. Evidence-based, high-quality early childhood education programs not only prepare children for school but also empower parents to influence their child’s academic success.

Save the Children Action Network is developing a comprehensive, national early childhood education policy. We support efforts of the many governors, state legislatures and local officials proposing policies to improve and expand access to high-quality early learning programs for all children from birth to kindergarten. Research shows that increasing the quality of early care and education helps prepare children for greater success in school and in life through higher levels of educational attainment, career advancement and earnings.

We understand that funding is a large hurdle in the debate. That’s why we are working to identify innovative and viable funding mechanisms to support expanded investment in early education nationwide. These financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, could provide the necessary resources to make universal early childhood education a reality for all kids.

I think by utilizing them as a Community of Partner will be credibility to my challenge and allow me to extend my network and resources.  To join this network you fill out a form to that attaches your contact information to letters that then go to your state and federal officials.

Academy for Educational Development:

FHI 360 works throughout the United States to advance health, safety, education and workforce development for people of all ages and particularly those who are underserved. In collaboration with government agencies, foundations, corporations and community organizations, we design, deliver and evaluate services and solutions to address the nation’s most pressing social problems. Over the past two decades, FHI 360 has worked with our partners to improve outcomes in HIV/AIDS prevention, obesity prevention, tobacco control, workplace safety, immunizations, early childhood and pre-K through 12 education reform, access to and success in postsecondary education, support for children and young persons with disabilities, workforce development, and transition to careers transition to careers, youth development and civic engagement.

Our work focuses particularly on underserved communities in poor urban and rural areas, on equitable access to high-quality programs and services, and on collaboration with partners to improve health and education outcomes.

Our programs:

·       Collect evidence of effective policies and practices

·       Create research-based programs and communications campaigns

·       Establish local, regional and national partnerships

·       Build capacity to improve programs and to bring them to scale

·       Evaluate progress and outcomes

·       Secure resources to sustain effective efforts

The staff bring to this work a deep commitment to promoting better health, education and well-being for communities across the country. The reason why I would join with this international organization as one of mine Community of Practice partner is because they combine deep technical and content expertise with rigorous research methodologies, strategic planning, marketing and communication, digital media, professional learning and leadership development, and community-oriented capacity development. They build on proven best practices and tailor solutions to meet unique community needs.

UNICEF:

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Education Specialists (P-3) in all duty stations are expected to achieve the following key results:

1. Technical support provided in the education sector in relation to UNICEF's key priorities in Basic Education, including ECD, primary and secondary education, alternative approaches to basic education and education in emergencies in collaboration with other sector partners.

2. Support provided to timely high quality, sectoral analysis, to enhance planning and advocacy around equity issues in education, including inputs to situation analyses and/or education sector analyses in collaboration with other key stakeholders, including government, development partners, academia and other programmes and sectors.

3. Technical support provided for work plan formulation, implementation and monitoring, in line with country/regional/global priorities and approaches.

4. Contribution made to Education Programme delivery, and monitoring and evaluation, as well as reporting in compliance with established guidelines and procedures.

5. Contribution to advocacy, communication, knowledge management and networking achieved.

The reason why I would chose this international organization is because of the amazing work they do across the world.  They have a strong commitment to children and truly make a difference in the global world.

            

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The Three National Organizations are Children Now, Children’s Right Inc and Child Advocates

Children Now

Children Now is the leading non-partisan national, state and local research, policy development, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving children's overall well-being. For the first time, the organization is providing children with the same power as interest groups like the AARP and the Chamber of Commerce by:

·       Providing umbrella representation covering the many individual policy issues impacting kids, and

·       Combining its unmatched policymaking know-how and subject matter expertise with a powerful organized membership.

Children Now's simplified messaging -- "Pro-Kid" -- reflects our umbrella, whole-child approach.

Special Assistant to the President Position 
Primary Responsibilities
Qualifications
Compensation
 

Children’s Right, Inc

Advocacy Coordinator Position

They are seeking a highly-motivated, self-starting and detail-oriented Special Assistant to support Children Now’s President with internal organizational management and scheduling, extensive external education, health, and child welfare policy advocacy and outreach activities as well as supporting the organization’s Children’s Movement and development (fundraising) efforts. This position will be central to managing the President’s schedule according to key organizational priorities; supporting relationships with a wide range of partners, policy makers, funders and donors, key stakeholders and press; and preparing for a diverse scope of meetings. This position will report to the President and be located in our Oakland office.  

Ideal applicants will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations with strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, technology, administrative and organizational skills. The candidate must be flexible, adaptable and solutions-oriented and able to effectively anticipate the needs of the President. This position is ideal for someone who thinks strategically, takes initiative and enjoys learning in a fast-paced environment. The position offers an opportunity to learn about research, policy advocacy, coalition building, politics, non profit management and fundraising while helping to support our efforts to improve the well-being of all of California’s children.

·       Using initiative, attention to detail and critical thinking skills, complete a broad variety of administrative, communications and project management tasks for the President including but not limited to:

·       Professionally managing the President’s busy calendar to optimize his time and ensure his schedule reflects key organizational priorities;

·       Schedule internal organizational meetings that the President participates in including staff meetings and numerous project  team Meetings;

·       Keep the President well informed about and prepared for a range of meetings and responsibilities, following up appropriately;

·       Support the President with daily social media posts;

·       Support Children’s Movement recruitment and engagement;

·       In partnership with the Development & Communications Department, draft correspondence and prepare meeting presentation materials for the President to support outreach and development as well as to strengthen key relationships and increase the visibility of the organization;

·       Manage informational needs of the President by conducting brief research projects, gathering background information, coordinating correspondence and analyzing information for the President and referring requests to the appropriate internal and external resources;

·       Support communications and relationships with the organization’s Board of Directors and Leadership Council, including serving as the liaison in communication, preparing necessary materials for board meetings and maintaining official records of the board;

·       Maintain contacts dataset for the President and assist with maintaining development and communications databases; and

·       Coordinate travel arrangements, plan and prepare for meetings and events and handle all administrative needs such as time reporting, expense reports, etc.;

·       Manage a variety of special projects for the organization and leadership team, including event planning, related to outreach, development, operations or policy efforts with a strong outcomes- and solutions-orientation;  

·       Provide additional administrative, development and policy assistance, as needed; and

·       Conduct other duties as assigned. 

·       Bachelor’s degree;

·       At least two years of relevant experience  with high level responsibilities;

·       Demonstrated effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in and across teams;

·       Excellent organizational and project management skills and attention to detail;

·       Superior judgment, confidentiality and discretion;

·       Creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to find innovative solutions to problems;

·       Ability to be forward looking and actively seek opportunities and propose solutions;

·       Proficiency in prioritizing conflicting needs, handling matters expeditiously and proactively, and following through on projects to successful completion often with deadline pressures;

·       Ability to learn quickly and a commitment to quality work;

·       Highly skilled in all major technology platforms and systems, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint);

·       Able to work effectively with others in a vibrant, diverse and multicultural environment; and

·       Strong writing and editing skills.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.  Generous benefits.

Children’s Rights uses the law to hold governments accountable and defend thousands of kids when foster care systems fail. We have secured court orders mandating top-to-bottom child welfare reform in more than a dozen states. As a result, kids are safer. They get the education and health care they need. They have better foster homes. Best of all, children find permanent, loving families more quickly, ensuring they have the brightest possible futures.

SUMMER 2015 POLICY INTERN Position

The Children’s Rights Policy Department seeks undergraduate and graduate-level summer interns to assist with various research, policy analysis, and advocacy projects pertaining to child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, and child welfare system performance.  Interns will have the opportunity to collect data, research and analyze key policy issues, and assist with the preparation of reports, articles and other written materials.  The summer internship is 3-5 days per week; selection of days is flexible.  It is a non-paid position.

The Children’s Rights Policy Department has developed a reputation for producing careful research and policy analysis on pressing issues pertaining to the care of abused and neglected children in public child welfare systems.  We work in partnership with our staff attorneys as well as other advocates, experts, policy analysts, and government officials.  On a national level, we are working with our litigation teams to investigate states with poorly functioning child welfare systems, assisting in trial preparation, and monitoring progress in jurisdictions in which we have secured court orders requiring that improvements are made and maintained. Locally, we are engaged in advocating for improvements within the New York City child welfare system and Family Court in order to improve permanency for children in foster care.

Qualifications:

·       Must be in graduate school or entering senior year of college

·       Strong writing skills and attention to detail

·       Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet research

·       Some knowledge of child welfare services is strongly desired, as is a beginning knowledge of statistics and statistical analysis

Child Advocates

Child Advocates recruits, trains and supports volunteers who provide a voice for children in foster care. As Harris County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, we provide lifesaving advocacy that helps abused and neglected children exit foster care to a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

The volunteers’ main job is to provide the court with recommendations about where the children they represent should live on a permanent basis. Throughout the case, our volunteers maintain contact with everyone involved in the children’s lives, from foster parents, biological parents and therapists to Child Protective Services caseworkers and attorneys appointed by the court. They make sure the children are receiving the medical and psychological help they need, and they meet with teachers and principals to help the children thrive in school. They dry tears and give hugs and throw birthday parties, too. Most importantly, they serve as a 'constant' person for the children to count on during this tumultuous time. Essentially, our volunteers do whatever it takes to ensure that the needs of the children are being met while they are in care.

Key Duties:

·       Supervise court appointed volunteers to provide ad litem services to abused and neglected children in court system

·       Effectively manage active caseload, participate in case staffings, and adhere to CAI standards for program caseload management.

·       Attend and participate as speaker at Advocacy training sessions, as needed.

·       Interface professionally and effectively with courts and representatives and employees of various social services agencies and other community organizations as needed for case management, community and other functions related to the organization’s overall goals and mission. 

Requirements:

·       Minimum of two years case management experience in social services field, working with abused and neglected children and their families, and the courts

·       Bachelors in social work, psychology, sociology, or related field

·       Strong preference for  previous experience training and managing volunteers in long-term setting

o   Demonstrated advocacy skills

o   Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse client population

o   Proven ability to motivate and manage others

o   Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences

o   Strong verbal and written communication skills

o   Proficiency in Microsoft Office

o   Must be available to work intermittent evenings and weekends

o   Must have personal car, current TDL and auto liability insurance

o   Spanish proficiency a plus but not required

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

CASA

The mission of CASA of Johnson County is to recruit and train community volunteers to speak out for abused and neglected children in court proceedings so that they can be permanently placed in a safe, nurturing environment as quickly as possible.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile court judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA can thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts about the case and the volunteer also reviews all court documents pertaining to the case. He or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency. 

Training/Support Plan:
• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually.
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association.
• CASA volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
• CASA volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
• CASA volunteers are encouraged to call their volunteer coordinator at any time with questions/concerns.

Time Commitment:
• Volunteers are required to make a twelve-month commitment to the program.
• Volunteers are required to attend all court hearings on their cases – approximately 2 per year.
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training, unless other arrangements have been made.
• CASA volunteers, on the average, spend 12-20 hours a month on each case.

Advocates must attend training including:

• An interview
• A criminal history check

• A juvenile dependency court observation


14 hours of in-classroom training and 16 hours of online training covering:

• Advocacy and the Law
• Awareness
• Court Process/Monthly and Court Reports
• Sexual Abuse and the Developing Child
• Learning/Behavior Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• The Social Workers Role
• Cultural Awareness
• The Role of the Attorney
• Mock Case Assignment
• Survival as an Advocate

The 14 hours of in-class training are divided into 4 sessions; 4 days over 2 weeks from 5:30-9:00 pm. The 16 hours of online training are done at your pace but must be completed by the last class session. Interviews are by appointment. Please stop by and pick up an application any time or download one from this website.  Training classes and dates are subject to change.

SafeHaven

The mission of SafeHaven is to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change.

PT Client Advocate II Weekends Sat & Sun 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:	Fort Worth
Job Code:	293
# of Openings:	1
Description
SUMMARY :  Meets the daily needs of clients in the shelter, provides crisis intervention, assessment for admittance for crisis callers seeking shelter, and provides community referrals for crisis callers, as appropriate to caller need. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Assist residents of the emergency shelter and answers Hotline for shelter and/or referral/information. Answer Crisis Hotline, assess caller’s needs, determine eligibility for shelter admission, or makes appropriate referrals. ·       For family violence calls o   Answers Crisis Hotline, provides empathetic listening, assesses caller’s needs, manages phone crises as they arise, develops safety plans, provides DV education, determines eligibility for shelter admission, or makes appropriate referral. ·       Represents the agency in inter-agency interactions involving victims in crisis. ·       For community crisis calls o   Answers Crisis Hotline, assess caller’s needs, provides empathetic listening and appropriate community referrals if needed. ·       Provides crisis intervention in the form of safety planning, family violence education, and access to SafeHaven services and referrals to community services via emergency Crisis Hotline and face to face victim contact. ·       Documents appropriate information in Client Relationship Management System (CRMS). Provides or arranges emergency transportation for incoming clients admitted to shelter. Completes intake procedures for each client, and arranges for immediate needs of client/family. Provides crisis intervention counseling for shelter residents. Completes exit procedures for each client. Maintain confidentiality of all communication regarding clients, agency and staff. Screen people coming to shelter entrances to determine eligibility for entering shelter facility. Manages shelter operations to include: enforcing shelter rules, policies and procedures, ensuring a calm, supportive atmosphere, maintaining the security of the shelter, distributing incoming client mail, scheduling client service appointments, supporting client participation in group meetings. Document appropriate information in client files and in communication log in an appropriate and timely manner. Complete all appropriate forms maintained in resident files. Complete all paperwork and reports in a timely and accurate manner; document and report duties as requested by supervisor. Attend Monthly Client Services Meeting and Quarterly All Agency Staff Meetings Conduct daily House Meeting, chore assignments, and “Shelter Orientation” groups for new residents. Must be able to work varied shifts including day shift, evening shift and overnight shift as assigned by supervisor. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and be able to drive during day time and night time hours. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. In accordance with the team philosophy of the agency, may routinely be required to carry out or assist with other tasks involving client care and client preparation, in addition to the duties listed above. QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE  High school diploma or GED with some college; Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related social services field preferred, or equivalent experience.  Knowledge of crisis intervention, social work theory and ethics.  Experience in and knowledge of family violence theory preferred.  1-2 years experience working in a social service environment preferred.   Must have general computer proficiency. Children’s Advocacy Center in Tarrant County Alliance For Children is the only Children’s Advocacy Center in Tarrant County and was one of the first children’s advocacy center programs established in Texas. Since 1992, over 46,000 children have benefited from Alliance For Children's teamed investigations and coordinated approach. Our program has served as a model for many of the Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state of Texas today. Alliance For Children is a nonprofit organization that operates three child-friendly centers in Tarrant County, located in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Hurst.   It is our mission to protect the children of Tarrant County from abuse through teamed investigations, healing services and community education. Alliance For Children is a fully accredited member of the National Children's Alliance, a membership association of over 700 children's advocacy centers and is a founding member of Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas.

Position: Family Advocate (closes 5/22/15)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  Work under the supervision of the Director of Program Services to assure coordination of the community's mental health and social services for the benefit of victim children and their families. This position works directly with client families.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:  Level of Education: Degree in human services field; Degree of social work preferred and two years demonstrated work experience including working with families at risk preferred

QUALIFICATIONS:   Strong interpersonal and communication skills; knowledge of Tarrant County resources; sensitivity to and awareness of unique needs of minority cultures and diverse ethnic groups; fluency in Spanish REQUIRED; must have valid Texas driver's license and proof of liability insurance.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess family’s need of services, information and referral, and community resources.
• Provide education for families regarding the dynamics of child abuse.
• Provide crisis intervention for children experiencing suicidal ideations and provide appropriate resources for immediate professional mental health intervention.
• Work with child protection team to identify service gaps for each client child and family.
• Provide information and support for the Crime Victims Compensation process.
• Work with intern victim advocate to secure needed services for child and family.
• Provide encouragement and support to victim family to use services recommended.
• Troubleshoot system breakdown for clients who have accessed Alliance For Children services.
• Provide individual supportive guidance and case management training for intern victim advocates.
• Participate in weekly case staffings with other partner agencies.
• Attend Alliance For Children victim services meetings as required.
• Documentation of cases provided.
• Provide court education and accompaniment as needed for children and families.
• Other job duties as requested by immediate supervisor, Director of Program Services, or Executive Director.