Family Advocate / Cultural Broker – Child Welfare & DCS Services
Location: Tempe, AZ (Community-Based | In-Home | School & Community Settings)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Comprehensive Benefits $22 -24/hr.
Industry: Child Welfare | Family Services | Social Services | Community Advocacy
About the Role
Clarvida is hiring a Family Advocate / Cultural Broker to support families involved with the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). This role serves as a trusted advocate, cultural liaison, and system navigator, ensuring families receive fair, culturally appropriate, and equitable services that align with their lived realities.
This position is ideal for professionals with lived experience and deep community knowledge, particularly those who have worked alongside African American and Indigenous families in Arizona and understand the historical and systemic biases impacting child welfare outcomes.
You will work directly with families, DCS caseworkers, schools, and community partners within the following Arizona zip codes: 85033, 85035, 85037, 85043, and 85307 to reduce barriers, strengthen family voice, and promote culturally responsive decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a family advocate and cultural broker, ensuring families receive services that are fair, culturally congruent, and aligned with their needs
- Respond to DCS referrals and participate in joint initial responses, with availability within 30 minutes
- Deliver services in accordance with the Cultural Brokers Program Manual and DCS guidelines
- Advocate for families when cultural misunderstandings, bias, or systemic barriers arise
- Support families in navigating child welfare, education, healthcare, and community systems
- Services will be provided primarily within the following Arizona zip codes:
85033, 85035, 85037, 85043, and 85307 - Provide coaching, mentorship, and strengths-based advocacy to empower family self-sufficiency
- Address barriers related to cultural bias, stigma, access to services, and system mistrust
- Collaborate with DCS case managers, multidisciplinary teams, schools, and service providers
- Build and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, tribal partners, and faith communities
- Track service engagement and align advocacy efforts with case plans and reunification timelines
- Maintain an average caseload of approximately 12 families
- Participate in team meetings and ensure all practices are trauma-informed and culturally responsive
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field
OR
4+ years of equivalent experience in child welfare, family advocacy, or human services - Lived experience working with African American and Indigenous communities in Arizona, including navigating cultural bias and systemic inequities
- This community-based role requires you to live within approximately 15 minutes of the primary service area to meet response time expectations. The service area includes zip codes 85033, 85035, 85037, 85043, and 85307
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for families receiving culturally fair and appropriate services
- Strong understanding of Arizona DCS processes and community-based resources
- Knowledge of the specific communities and neighborhoods served (including Tempe and surrounding areas)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Valid Arizona Driver’s License with acceptable driving record
- Ability to pass background checks, drug screening (including marijuana), and physical exam if required
- Flexible schedule availability (community-based role)
Preferred Experience
- Experience as a Family Advocate, Cultural Broker, Parent Partner, Case Aide, or Community Liaison
- Familiarity with Indigenous, Tribal, and African American community networks in Arizona
- Experience working in in-home, school-based, or community-based settings
- Bilingual or bicultural experience strongly encouraged
Compensation & Benefits
Full-Time Team Members
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Paid vacation that increases with tenure
- Separate sick leave with annual rollover
- Up to 10 paid holidays*
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- DailyPay – access earned wages early*
- Training, professional development, and continuing education
- Free licensure supervision
All Employees
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Mileage reimbursement*
- Cell phone stipend*
- Pet insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- National discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment
*Benefits may vary by role, state, or county.
Why Clarvida
At Clarvida, we believe families are the experts in their own lives. Our work is grounded in equity, cultural humility, and community partnership. We are committed to supporting professionals who bring lived experience, compassion, and advocacy to the families we serve.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about family advocacy, cultural equity, and child welfare reform, we encourage you to apply.
EEO Statement
Clarvida is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
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