Overview: Support Center for Child Advocates seeks current Human Resource Management students for Spring and Summer 2025 internships. Interns will work alongside seasoned HR practitioner within a legal advocacy agency that represents children in the dependency system in Philadelphia Family Court System. Please submit your application by Friday, February 28, 2025.

Program Description: The HR Internship is designed for those aspiring to enter the Human Resources field. Selected interns will provide administrative support to the HR Department while gaining hands-on experience through direct observation, research, evaluation, coaching, and active participation. The internship is based on-sight. HR Interns will report to the Director of HR.

Objectives:

• To provide interns with valuable on-the-job experience in Human Resource Management, assisting them in future career planning.
• To promote Child Advocates as an employer of choice in the Philadelphia County area.

Intern Responsibilities: Students selected for the HR Internship program will:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world work situations.
• Gain practical experience to support career planning and goal setting.
• Explore potential career paths in HR, including Talent Acquisition, Staff Engagement & Development, Performance Management, Benefit Administration, Compensation, Compliance, Training, and Employee & Labor Relations.

Timeline:

• Internship Duration: Spring (Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Thursday, June 19, 2025) & Summer (Monday, June 23, 2025 – August 15, 2025)
• Length: Six to Twelve weeks
• Type: Unpaid internship

Number of Interns:

• Two (One Spring & One Summer)

Location:

• Agency Headquarters, Philadelphia, PA (Center City)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Actively enrolled in a local accredited college/university minimally, as a third - or fourth-year student in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, HRM or a related discipline.
• Interest in practicing HRM and Labor Relations within the non-profit sector.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a supportive office environment.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
• Analytical skills to compile and summarize data effectively.
• Self-motivated and adaptable to change.
• Service- and results-oriented.
• Familiarity with HR functions and practices is helpful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and digital platforms, including Adobe.

TO APPLY:

• Send cover letter and resume to ktrottie@sccalaw.org by Friday, February 28, 2025. No calls please.
• Include in your cover letter:
  • Your school’s requirements for semester internships, if any (required start and end dates of internship, any requirements to receive credits)

This internship is unpaid, but we are happy to collaborate with schools to assist with interns receiving credit, work-study, or any other funding arrangement, if requested.

Hiring Values

Support Center for Child Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Support Center for Child Advocates prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, non-job-related ability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Support Center for Child Advocates is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

The Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to represent court-involved children in Philadelphia, in dependency proceedings arising out of child abuse and neglect, and in criminal proceedings where the child is a victim or witness to abuse and the alleged abuser is being prosecuted.  

Agency:  Child Advocates is Philadelphia’s volunteer lawyer program for abused and neglected children, providing legal and social service advocacy, through the service of volunteer attorneys teamed with staff social workers and attorneys. Child Advocates utilizes a "whole child" model of representation, while focusing on advocacy for safety, health, education, family permanency, and access to justice for child clients. Systemically, we promote collaborative, multi-disciplinary casework and solutions to recurrent problems. For the community, we provide educational programs to increase awareness about the problems of and ways to prevent child abuse. Whenever possible, Child Advocates seeks to maintain children in their homes of origin. Child Advocates amplifies the child’s voice in court proceedings, and further seeks to protect children by securing social services, advocating as needed for alternative homes, and supporting children when testifying in court. Respected for diligent and effective advocacy in more than 44 years of service, Child Advocates attorneys and social workers move public systems to deliver entitled services and private systems to open their doors to children and their families.

*Position Summary: The Staff Attorney is responsible for representing children in dependency court proceedings, attendance at internal and external agency meetings pertaining to planning and service provision, and visiting clients at their homes and/or placements (wherever the client is currently residing.) The Staff Attorney will carry their own caseload, as well as consult on agency cases with Child Advocates social workers, and provide technical assistance and training to volunteer attorneys to ensure that our network of volunteer attorneys is equipped with the best practices for advocating for our clients’ needs. The Staff Attorney will also participate in trainings and appellate work and when appointed, advocate for clients who are victims and witnesses in criminal matters.

*This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. A complete job description with a comprehensive list of duties is available upon request.

Qualifications:  Candidate must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are seeking an attorney who is familiar with child welfare law and practice, with strong written and oral communication skills.  Minimum 3 years legal experience preferred. Public interest and/or experience working with children and families strongly favored. Spanish or other second language proficiency preferred. 

Compensation: This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Support Center for Child Advocates and National Organization of Legal Service Workers/UAW Local 2320. The current minimum starting salary is $70,000 which increases with direct years of experience and according to provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits: Health, disability and life insurance; 401-K; cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses; and a generous leave program.  Hybrid Schedule.

Application Instructions

APPLY TO: Send cover letter and resume by email to personnel@sccalaw.org (SUBJECT: “Staff Attorney Search”).

Child Advocates does not discriminate in any aspect of employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates) is seeking a DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, CORPORATE RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS to begin work immediately.  Work for a premier child advocacy program. Experience multidisciplinary practice of lawyers and master-level social workers, outstanding staff collegiality, and commitment to quality service.

Agency:  Child Advocates is Philadelphia’s volunteer lawyer program providing free legal and social services for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Teaming volunteer attorneys, and with staff social workers and attorneys. Child Advocates seeks to protect children by securing social services, finding alternative homes and helping them testify in court. For all of the children committed to our care, we work to ensure safety, health, education, family permanency and access to justice. Systemically, we promote collaborative, multi-disciplinary casework and solutions to recurrent problems. For the community, we provide educational programs to increase awareness about the problems of, and ways to, prevent child abuse. Whenever possible, Child Advocates seeks to maintain children and families in their own homes. Respected for diligent and effective advocacy throughout our 47 years of service, Child Advocates attorneys and social workers move public systems to deliver entitled services and private systems to open their doors to needy children and their families.

*Responsibilities:  This is a front-line fundraising position with an emphasis on meeting revenue goals and building significant operating funding from special events with a focus on contributions and sponsorships from corporate and law firm sources. This position provides a full range of support services associated with Child Advocates Special Events fundraising and Corporate/Law Firm portfolio to the Director of Development & Communications and the Development Team, including but not limited to:

• Managing Child Advocates Corporate/Law Firm relationships, including prospect identification and research to maintain a robust donor-prospect portfolio; cultivating and stewarding ongoing relationships within the corporate/law firm constituency; and soliciting contributions through sponsorships and corporate giving programs.
• Planning and executing major events.
• Managing internal and external communications and event promotions, including preparation of documents and reports for Board and Committee meetings, drafting copy for websites and e-blasts, managing social media, and other public relations duties.

* The job responsibilities are only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. A complete job description with a comprehensive list of duties is available upon request. 

Qualifications:  Three to five years’ experience in special event fundraising, vendor relations, promotions, and/or marketing. Business writing skills; computer database management, preferably with Raiser’s Edge, as well as a background in event software. i.e., GiveSmart/Race Roster, etc.

$70,000 annual salary (DOE).  Benefits include health, disability and life insurance, 401K, flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, and generous leave program.  Our team is currently working a hybrid schedule (three days in, two days at home). Therefore, we are seeking a candidate based in the Philadelphia area.

Ready to Make an Impact?
Join us in championing the rights and well-being of children. Apply now to be part of our team and help us create meaningful change through your expertise in fundraising and events.

Application Instructions:

APPLY TO: email cover memo and resume to personnel@SCCALaw.org; include “Special Events Search” in subject line.

Child Advocates does not discriminate in any aspect of employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Are you a strategic thinker and passionate leader with a proven track record in fundraising and communications? Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates), headquartered in Philadelphia, is searching for a Director of Development & Communications to lead our development team and elevate our mission to new heights.

Agency: 

Child Advocates is Philadelphia’s volunteer lawyer program for abused and neglected children, providing legal and social service advocacy, through the service of volunteer attorneys teamed with staff social workers and attorneys. Child Advocates utilizes a "whole child" model of representation, while focusing on advocacy for safety, health, education, family permanency, and access to justice for child clients. Systemically, we promote collaborative, multi-disciplinary casework and solutions to recurrent problems. For the community, we provide educational programs to increase awareness about the problems of and ways to prevent child abuse. Whenever possible, Child Advocates seeks to maintain children in their homes of origin. Child Advocates amplifies the child’s voice in court proceedings, and further seeks to protect children by securing social services, advocating as needed for alternative homes, and supporting children when testifying in court. Respected for diligent and effective advocacy in more than 44 years of service, Child Advocates attorneys and social workers move public systems to deliver entitled services and private systems to open their doors to children and their families.

Position Summary: The Director of Development & Communication is an experienced professional and strategic thinker who will help advance the organization’s mission, guide the organization’s corporate and individual giving fundraising strategy, oversee, and execute its related events and relationship-building activities, and manage relationships across communication and fundraising platforms. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Development & Communications is responsible for the development and execution of all facets of growing and stewarding the Child Advocates support base and expanding Child Advocates profile and reputation. The Director is the key contact for the Board and Development & Communications Committee related to fundraising and communications. The Director will serve as a member of the Leadership Team and lead the development staff (total department of 5).

Essential Duties:

Development

• In partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, responsible for achieving the agency's annual revenue goals. 
• Collaborate with ED to create and execute a comprehensive development plan to include Annual Fund, Major Gifts Program, Foundation and corporate charitable gifts, Special Events, Planned Giving, Employee Giving Appeals and other direct mail fundraising efforts.
• Supervise, manage, and support development staff to meet and exceed the agency’s development goals.
• Lead the team in the research, identifying funding and sponsor prospects (Prospect Cultivation), and implement strategies with the ED to foster positive relationships with donors.
• Oversee all grant proposals and management (compliance).
• Ensure that all gifts and grants are acknowledged within appropriate timeframes.
• Supervise and meet regularly with all direct reports to review department and individual goals and provide ongoing guidance.
• Manage and control department budget and related expenses.
• Collaborate with Database Administrator to create and generate ad-hoc reports on program performance and develop programming strategies.
• Develop and oversee the development calendar (this calendar will include the internal deadlines, teamwork progress, and external event or project deadlines).
• Support and prepare the Executive Director for all fundraising efforts including meetings and events.
• In partnership with the ED, and the Development Committee of the Board, supports Board relations, and leads ongoing development and communications reporting, and committee participation.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Communications :

• Develop and implement communication strategies that promote the agency’s mission.
• Set and guide the strategy for all communications, website, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate SCCA's mission.
• Responsible for updating agency social media platforms and updating website.
• Collaborate with the ED and senior leadership to develop communications strategies that develop and refine SCCA core messages to ensure organizational consistency and broader brand visibility.
• Liaison with PR consultants as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree

EXPERIENCE:

• Required: 8+ years of professional work experience in Development in a leadership role with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience managing/supervising a development team.
• Experience developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan.
• A comfortable front-line fundraiser with a successful track record in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, particularly major gifts.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• A keen understanding of fundraising best practices.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft office computer software, email, fundraising database programs (Raisers Edge NXT, Donor Perfect)

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• A proven track record of initiating and building relationships with prospective and current donors.
• Familiarity with advocacy work and legal representation and or interest in Law, Child Welfare
• Experience working with a sophisticated donor base; familiarity with the Philadelphia philanthropic community preferred.
• Demonstrated comfort and ability in relationship building, including business development and raising money from individuals.
• Knowledge of federal or government funding and grants, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Experience overseeing federal grants a plus.
• Excellent written, analytical, research, and presentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to attend evening and off hour donor/events.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, diplomatic ability, and authenticity in manner and communication.
• Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple assignments and priorities.
• Fundamental understanding of financial statements.
• Budget management proficiency and clear ability to analyze data, develop strategies.

COMPENSATION: $95,000 (DOE).  Benefits incl. health, disability & life insurance, 401-K, cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses, and generous leave program.

Our team is currently working a hybrid schedule (three days in, two days at home). Therefore, we are seeking a candidate based in the Philadelphia area.

APPLY TO: email cover memo and resume to:  personnel@SCCALaw.org; include “Development Search” in subject line. *Candidates invited to final interviews will be asked to provide writing sample(s) of development Plan. A sample Development plan is a good indicator of strategic proficiency. A sample grant narrative and budget analysis are good indicators of proposal writing.

Child Advocates does not discriminate in any aspect of employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.