Careers at Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center

Position Summary

The Family Advocate & Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor provides comprehensive advocacy, support, and care coordination to children and families served by Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center following allegations of child abuse. This position also provides substance use screening, education, brief intervention, and addiction counseling services for youth and caregivers when clinically appropriate. The role is designed to ensure families receive coordinated support while maintaining access to specialized addiction services as part of a holistic, trauma-informed approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Family Advocacy (Primary Responsibilities)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for children and non-offending caregivers throughout the Children’s Advocacy Center process.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and trauma-informed advocacy to children and families.
• Explain the multidisciplinary team (MDT) process, forensic interviews, medical examinations, therapy services, and court proceedings.
• Complete intake assessments and ongoing needs assessments.
• Develop individualized service plans with families.
• Connect families to community resources including housing, food assistance, transportation, financial assistance, victim compensation, healthcare, legal resources, and other supportive services.
• Maintain regular contact with families to ensure engagement and reduce barriers to services.
• Assist families with scheduling appointments and coordinating services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with agency, grant, and accreditation standards.
• Assist with prevention, outreach, and community education activities as assigned.

Addiction Counseling Responsibilities

•  Screen youth and caregivers for substance use concerns when clinically indicated.
• Provide brief intervention and psychoeducation regarding substance use and recovery.
• Deliver individual addiction counseling services within the scope of licensure.
• Collaborate with CAC therapists to support families affected by substance use disorders.
• Coordinate referrals to higher levels of care, medication-assisted treatment providers, detoxification services, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and recovery support services.
• Provide relapse prevention education and recovery planning.
• Consult with staff regarding substance use issues affecting clients and families.
• Assist in developing integrated care plans that address trauma and substance use concurrently.
• Maintain clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and continuing education.
• Maintain professional licensure and required certifications.
• Comply with all CAC, state, federal, Medicaid, and accreditation requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

•  Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) in North Dakota, or eligible for licensure.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Addiction Studies, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• Experience working with children, families, or trauma survivors.
• Knowledge of child abuse dynamics, trauma-informed care, and victim advocacy.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Experience in a Children’s Advocacy Center, victim services, behavioral health, or child welfare.
• Knowledge of substance use treatment and recovery systems.
• Experience with crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation and billing requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Trauma-informed care principles
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Family systems and child development
• Motivational Interviewing
• Substance use assessment and brief intervention
• Community resource coordination
• Cultural humility and sensitivity
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong time management and organizational skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area as needed.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office setting within a Children’s Advocacy Center and requires interaction with children and families who have experienced trauma. Occasional evening or community events may be required.