The MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate provides intensive, home-based family preservation and reunification services to children and caregivers referred by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The Advocate partners with families using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to improve child safety, strengthen protective factors, prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement, and support long-term family stability.
Essential Functions
Family Engagement & Assessment
- Establish trusting relationships with children, caregivers, and family members.
- Conduct home and community visits based on program requirements and family need.
- Complete FAST assessments, ecological mapping, and other required screening tools.
- Develop, implement, and update Prevention Plans and safety plans with families.
Direct Family Services
- Provide intensive in-home family preservation and reunification services.
- Teach parenting skills, communication, budgeting, household management, and other life skills.
- Coach caregivers using Motivational Interviewing and solution-focused practices.
- Support families in building protective factors and natural support systems.
Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
- Respond to family crises and participate in the on-call rotation as assigned.
- Advocate for families with schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, courts, and community partners.
- Assist families with applications for benefits, community resources, housing, employment, transportation, and other supports.
- Attend Family Team Meetings, Team Decision Meetings, court hearings, and other required meetings.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete case notes, assessments, reports, and electronic documentation within required timelines.
- Maintain accurate case records and required MDHHS documentation.
- Complete satisfaction surveys and required three- and six-month follow-up contacts after case closure.
- Ensure compliance with agency policy, confidentiality standards, and MDHHS contractual requirements.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Parent Partners, Supervisors, MDHHS staff, and community providers.
- Participate in case staffing, supervision, quality assurance activities, and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Participate in community outreach and collaborative initiatives supporting child and family well-being.
Professional Development
- Complete all required MDHHS and UP Kids training.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, and continuous professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
- Family-Centered Practice
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Communication
- Advocacy
- Problem Solving
- Organization and Documentation
- Collaboration
- Professional Ethics
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Education, or a related human services field required.
- Equivalent qualifications permitted by MDHHS may be considered when applicable.
- Experience working with children, families, child welfare, family preservation, behavioral health, or related services preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of child development, family systems, and trauma-informed practice.
- Ability to effectively engage families experiencing crisis.
- Strong assessment, advocacy, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent travel throughout assigned counties.
- Regular home and community visits in a variety of environments.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, climb stairs, drive for extended periods, and lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to respond to urgent family situations when assigned.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in office, client homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and community settings. Evening and occasional weekend hours, local travel, and participation in an on-call crisis rotation may be required.
Employment Requirements
- Valid Michigan driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
- Successful completion of ICHAT, National and State Sex Offender Registry, Central Registry, and CPS background clearances.
- Maintain eligibility under MDHHS contractual requirements throughout employment.
- Complete all required MDHHS and UP Kids training.
