Family Advocate

Why Join CALICO?

Since 1997, CALICO (Child Abuse Listening, Interviewing and Coordination Center) has served as a multidisciplinary hub in Alameda County, bringing together detectives, child welfare workers, prosecutors, and other professionals to respond to child abuse, conduct forensic interviews, and connect children and families with critical services.

Each year, CALICO supports 500–600 children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities most of whom have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence.

At CALICO, you will provide trauma-informed, family-centered advocacy, working directly with non-offending caregivers to help them navigate medical, mental health, and legal services for their children. While your primary focus is on supporting parents, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team and interact with children as needed. This role offers hands-on experience, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Alameda County.

Join us and help create safety, healing, and justice for children and families in need.

Position Description: The Family Advocate provides trauma-informed, family-centered advocacy services within a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) model. This position supports non-offending caregivers and child victims of abuse by ensuring access to coordinated services through the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) process.

The Family Advocate plays a critical role in reducing trauma, increasing family engagement, and promoting long-term healing outcomes. Services are delivered in close collaboration with law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, medical, and mental health partners. This position is primarily based at CALICO (80%) with a portion of time (20%) at the Center for Child Protection (CCP) at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

Responsibilities:

Direct Family Advocacy & Support

• • Provide trauma-informed advocacy to non-offending caregivers and child victims served through the CAC.
  • Conduct psychosocial and needs-based assessments of families at the time of service.
  • Offer crisis intervention and emotional support during and following the forensic interview and medical exam process (not ongoing therapy).
  • Develop individualized service plans in partnership with caregivers.
  • Connect families to mental health services, victim compensation, basic needs resources, and other community-based supports.
  • Conduct follow-up contact to monitor progress and address barriers to accessing services.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration

• • Participate in case review meetings and collaborate with MDT partners, including law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, medical, and mental health professionals.
  • Serve as liaison between families and public agencies to ensure clear communication and coordinated case response.
  • Support families in understanding the investigative and court processes.
  • Maintain confidentiality and comply with mandated reporting requirements.

Systems Coordination & Community Engagement

• • Maintain current knowledge of community resources and build strong partnerships throughout Alameda County.
  • Assist families in applying for Victim/Witness services and California Victim Compensation.
  • Develop and maintain resource materials for families.
  • Represent CALICO at community outreach events and professional meetings.

Documentation & Data

• • Accurately document services provided in accordance with CAC standards and organizational policies.
  • Track service delivery, client outcomes, and satisfaction data to support reporting and continuous quality improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral science, or related field required; Master’s degree (MSW, MFT, or related discipline) preferred.
• Experience working with child abuse victims and non-offending caregivers in a multidisciplinary or child welfare setting.
• Knowledge of child development and the impact of trauma on children and families.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and victim advocacy.
• Familiarity with local child welfare, law enforcement, and court systems.
• Strong cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or comparable software.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass background clearance.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and on-call availability required.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Mam preferred, but not required.

To Apply:

Email cover letter and resume to careers@calicocenter.org with the subject line “Family Advocate Application.” Applicants selected for interviews must provide references upon request by the hiring committee.

CALICO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and floating holidays
• Paid wellness days
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Matching 403(b) retirement plan

English fluency required; Spanish and/or Mam bilingual preferred.