PROJECT SAGE IS HIRING
Family and Child advocate
Location: Lakeville, CT | Full-time, Exempt (37.5 hrs/week, on-site)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Who We Are
Project SAGE is a domestic violence prevention education agency in northwest Connecticut. Our mission is to create social change by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms. We envision a world where everyone can be themselves, have healthy relationships, and live free from interpersonal relationship violence. We are a compassionate, committed team working toward a safer, more just future.
At Project SAGE, every role contributes to building healthy relationships—both internally and externally in our community. As a small team, all staff members are expected to contribute to the overall functioning and wellbeing of the agency. Our core principles are: cooperation and mutual respect, collaboration and communication, and strength in diversity.
Who You Are
As the Family and Child Advocate, you are a compassionate, resourceful, and resilient professional who is deeply committed to empowering survivors of domestic violence—especially children and their non-offending family members. You are comfortable working in high-intensity situations and responding quickly to crisis needs with calm and clarity.
You are a skilled listener who can provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy while helping families navigate complex systems such as housing, education, legal services, and healthcare. You bring warmth and empathy, balanced with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. You thrive on building connections with community partners and delivering creative solutions that support clients’ safety, growth, and healing.
You understand the unique needs of children impacted by domestic violence and can tailor support to both their emotional and developmental stages. You value cultural humility, embrace diversity, and maintain confidentiality with the utmost professionalism. Whether facilitating a group, providing one-on-one counseling, or collaborating with colleagues, you are a steadfast advocate for safety, respect, and self-determination.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the Director of Client Services, you will provide direct advocacy and support to parents and children who are victims of domestic violence, both in emergency shelter and in community-based settings. You will also develop and maintain partnerships with organizations that provide parenting and developmental resources.
Direct Client Support (35–40%)
Provide trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention for survivors and their children.
Respond to the 24-hour hotline and in-person walk-ins, conducting intake and assessment.
Offer supportive counseling, information, referrals, and case management for individuals and families.
Ensure clients’ basic needs are met in emergency shelter settings and connect them to long-term housing options.
Advocate with external systems (legal, medical, mental health, educational, housing, and social services) on behalf of clients.
Assist with applications for victim compensation, address confidentiality, and other victim assistance programs.
Provide transportation to clients as needed.
2. Family and Child Advocacy (35–40%)
Deliver supportive counseling, safety planning, and advocacy to children and youth.
Assist non-offending parents in creating child-inclusive safety plans.
Support parents seeking legal remedies by assisting with paperwork, providing legal referrals, and offering court accompaniment.
Facilitate support and educational groups for children, parents, and families.
Coordinate with community providers such as DCF, schools, and recreational programs.
Provide outreach and training to community providers on the impact of domestic violence on children.
Maintain educational materials for clients.
3. Administrative Duties (15–20%)
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records.
Collect and report statistical data to meet agency and funder requirements.
Complete narrative and statistical reports for CCADV.
Attend required advocate meetings and trainings.
4. Agency Responsibilities (5–10%)
Maintain domestic violence counselor certification as required by Connecticut law.
Provide backup coverage for hotline and office phones.
Participate in agency events, community outreach, and volunteer supervision.
Attend staff meetings and trainings.
Uphold agency confidentiality and mandated reporting policies.
What You Will Bring
We are looking for someone who:
Has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in human services, child development, psychology, or a related field.
Brings basic crisis intervention, counseling, and case management skills.
Has knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, safety planning, and child development.
Is committed to culturally competent, trauma-informed services.
Can work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners.
Maintains accurate records and meets deadlines.
Holds a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Is able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Is bilingual/bicultural (preferred).
Physical Expectations
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, ascend/descend stairs, and move about the office.
Occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds.
Operate standard office equipment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified candidates with disabilities..
We Offer
Compensation: $26–$29.50/hour, commensurate with experience and skills.
Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt, 37.5 hours/week on-site at our Lakeville, CT office.
Benefits: Health and dental insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with 4% employer match, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, four weeks of vacation, and sick time.
Meaningful Work: Help survivors rebuild their lives and create lasting change in the community.
Supportive Culture: A workplace rooted in compassion, collaboration, inclusion, and courage—where your work is valued and your growth is supported.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@project-sage.org with the Subject: Family and Child Advocate
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single qualification. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and our mission, we want to hear from you!
Project SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.