Position Overview:

As a full-time Social Worker at Child Advocates, you will play a key role in providing legal and social services advocacy to children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. You will work closely with volunteer attorneys to ensure each child receives comprehensive representation—addressing their safety, well-being, health, education, and family stability. You will also collaborate with various stakeholders, including the court system, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and community agencies, to achieve positive outcomes for children in difficult situations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborative Advocacy: Partner with volunteer attorneys to provide client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy to children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect.
• Holistic Assessments: Attend court hearings, conduct home visits, analyze records, and maintain ongoing contact with clients and caregivers to assess and address the needs of children in the context of their families.
• Client Empowerment: Build trusted, supportive relationships with clients to encourage child and youth involvement in case decisions, ensure their voices are heard and needs are addressed throughout their legal journey, and to build their knowledge along the way.
• Collaboration with Key Agencies: Work closely with DHS, Community Umbrella Agencies (CUA), the Philadelphia Law Department, and Parents' attorneys to advocate for the child’s best interests and expressed desires.
• Education & Support: Train, coach and support volunteer attorneys on whole-child representation, legal strategies, and trauma-informed practices to ensure the expressed desires and best interests of each child are upheld.
• Court Support: Accompany child survivors of sexual and physical abuse to court, providing support during testimony and proceedings.
• Social Services Support: Advocate for and arrange access to behavioral health, medical, and educational evaluations and services, and assist with victim compensation applications (VCAP).

This job description is a summary of typical functions and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. A full job description is available upon request.

About the Support Center for Child Advocates:

Child Advocates is a non-profit, volunteer-based legal organization that pairs volunteer attorneys with staff social workers to provide legal and social service advocacy for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We use a “whole child” model, focusing on every aspect of a child's well-being—physical safety, emotional health, education, and family stability. Our work extends beyond case advocacy to community education and promoting awareness of child abuse prevention.

Whenever possible, we strive to maintain children in their homes, ensuring their safety and the security of supportive environments. Our team works tirelessly to navigate both public and private systems, fighting for the services and support children and families need to thrive.

Why Child Advocates?

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will make a direct, positive impact on children’s safety, health, education, and family permanency.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, multidisciplinary team focused on client empowerment, systemic change, and justice.
• Advocacy with Purpose: Be part of an agency with over 45 years of respected service, known for diligent and effective advocacy in child protection.

Ideal Candidate:

• Deep commitment to child advocacy and making a positive difference.
• Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or related fields, with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and case management skills, with a focus on client empowerment and trauma awareness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSW or equivalent, with a focus on child welfare.
• Interest in working with children and youth in the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, particularly in trauma-informed casework and advocacy.
• Familiarity with local governmental and community organizations and resources.
• Ability and willingness to drive or use public transportation for regular home visits.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with case management systems a plus.
• Maintain valid PA State (PSP), FBI, and Child Abuse History Clearances, as well as a signed Disclosure Statement.

Compensation:

This full-time position is 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 $60,000, which increases with direct years of experience and according to the collective bargaining agreement provisions.

Benefits:

• Health, disability, and life insurance
• 401-K
• Cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses
• Generous leave program
• Hybrid schedule

How to Apply:

Submit your cover letter and resume to personnel@SCCALaw.org with “Social Worker Search” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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