Family Advocate Internship

The Children's Legacy Center (CLC) is seeking a Family Advocate Intern to join our Advocacy Department and support children and families impacted by trauma. This internship provides hands-on experience in advocacy, case management support, and multidisciplinary coordination alongside our Behavioral Health Clinicians, Forensic Medical Team, and MDT partners. The intern will learn best practices for family-centered, trauma-informed support while assisting with referrals, follow-up, documentation, and client navigation under the supervision of an experienced advocate/case manager.This is an ideal opportunity for a student or emerging professional who brings curiosity, humility, kindness, and a desire to learn how a child advocacy center supports families from initial contact through follow-up.RequirementsCurrent enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related fieldAvailability to complete internship during CLC business hours (e.g. Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), with scheduling coordinated in advanceInterest in working with children/adolescents and families impacted by traumaStrong communication skills (written and verbal)Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundariesComfortable learning database entry and documentation standardsPreferred QualificationsPrior volunteer/work exposure to advocacy, social services, or community-based settingsFamiliarity with trauma-informed care principlesRole and ResponsibilitiesObserve and assist with intake and needs assessments and help gather information for service planningProvide caregiver support during/around forensic interviews and forensic medical exams (as appropriate), including help with understanding next steps, referrals, and follow-upAssist advocates with referrals to community resources (counseling, victim services, basic needs supports, etc.) and track outcomesHelp coordinate with internal teams and external partners (MDT, DA Victim Advocates, etc.) by preparing materials, scheduling, and documenting communicationsSupport crisis response activities by alerting supervisor, helping with resource connection, and participating in debriefing/learning (intern will not be primary crisis responder)Maintain thorough and accurate documentation in accordance with CLC standardsRoutinely input data and case tracking information into the databaseParticipate in training, shadowing, case review, group facilitation, and supervision meetingsNote: This internship does not include providing expert testimony or serving as a primary advocate for court proceedings. Intern participation in legal-system-related activities (e.g., observing court) may occur only with supervisor approval and appropriate training.Learning ObjectivesExperience with trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacyUnderstanding of Child Advocacy Center workflows, MDT collaboration, and referral pathwaysSkill-building in documentation, case tracking, and professional communicationExposure to forensic interview and forensic medical exam support processes (within intern scope)Supervision & SupportIntern will receive regular supervision from a designated Family Advocate/Case ManagerTraining plan includes shadowing, observation, progressively increasing responsibilities, and ongoing feedbackEmphasis on staff wellbeing, debriefing, and supportive team cultureWho We Are: