Parent/Family Advocate

About the Role

A Parent/Family Advocate is a professional who provides support, guidance, and advocacy services to parents and families. They work to ensure that families have access to resources, information, and support services to help them navigate various challenges and obstacles. Parent/Family Advocates may work in schools, community organizations, or social service agencies, and they often collaborate with other professionals to promote the well-being and success of families. Their role is to empower and support parents in advocating for their children's needs and rights.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct support and advocacy to parents and families.
• Connects families to community resources, services, and supports.
• Assists parents in navigating education, healthcare, and social service systems.
• Empowers families to advocate for their children's rights and needs.
• Builds trusting relationships with families through regular communication.
• Conducts outreach to engage and involve parents in programs and services.
• Attends meetings (e.g., IEPs, case conferences) to support family participation.
• Collaborates with schools, agencies, and professionals to coordinate services.
• Identifies family strengths and needs through informal assessments.
• Provides information and education on parenting, child development, and systems navigation.
• Supports crisis intervention and problem-solving as needed.
• Maintains accurate documentation of contacts, referrals, and outcomes.
• Promotes culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
• Participates in team meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Advocates for systemic changes that benefit families and children.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, General Equivalency Degree or higher.
• Position is reserved for an individual who has lived experience with mental illness or the mental health system.
• Must demonstrate ability to work as a multidisciplinary team.
• Bilingual language preferred.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record under the Clinics' liability policy.

Skills

• Strong advocacy skills to support and empower families.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of community resources, education, and social service systems.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Active listening and relationship-building with families.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple cases and documentation.
• Collaboration and teamwork with professionals and service providers.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet family and program needs.
• Crisis management and support under pressure.
• Proficiency in basic technology and record-keeping systems.
• Commitment to family-centered and strengths-based approaches.
• Initiative and self-direction in outreach and engagement.
• Sensitivity to trauma and understanding of family dynamics.

Pay

The initial compensation for this position ranges from $23.00 - $28.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and internal equity considerations. Possible additional compensation includes bilingual differentials: up to 7.5% for qualifying direct-service roles and up to $80.00/month flat fee for qualifying non-direct service roles.

Benefits

Benefits eligibility starts on day one. We provide a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision. See our Benefits Page for more details. Additional benefits include a 401K employer match up to 4% and competitive time-off plans, subject to eligibility requirements based on employment status.

Note: This position may have unsupervised contact with children and requires a full background check and TB exam. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and considering qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.