Social Worker, Family Advocacy & Support Services

MFT Advocate Jackson County | Full-time | Hybrid | $48,000 / year Accepting applications through October 1, 2026

Help families stay together. Help them move forward. Most people choose a career in human services because they believe people can grow. They believe families can overcome challenges. They believe children deserve the opportunity to thrive in safe, stable, and supportive environments. The MFT Advocate role is an opportunity to put those beliefs into action every day.

As part of Michigan’s MiFamily Together program with Wellspring, you'll work alongside families who are navigating some of life's most difficult moments. MiFamily Together was designed to help preserve families, reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements, support reunification, and strengthen family well‑being through a coordinated, whole-family approach. Rather than asking families to navigate multiple disconnected services, the program focuses on building trusting relationships, addressing the needs of both children and caregivers, and helping families create lasting stability and success.

As an Advocate, your work centers around four key areas:
Building trusting relationships. You will establish meaningful partnerships with families, helping them identify goals, navigate challenges and build on their existing strengths through a respectful, strength-based approach.

Strengthening family safety and stability. You will work alongside caregivers to enhance protective factors, develop plans that address safety concerns, build parenting and life skills, and support families in creating stable environments where children can thrive.

Connecting families to resources and opportunities. You will help families access services and supports that address immediate needs while promoting long‑term self‑sufficiency, including community resources, healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and public benefits.

Collaborating for lasting change. You will partner with schools, healthcare providers, child welfare professionals, referral sources, and community agencies to ensure families receive coordinated and effective support that promotes positive outcomes long after services end.

Successful MFT Advocates are compassionate, adaptable and resilient. They are skilled at building rapport with diverse families, maintaining professional boundaries and remaining calm during challenging situations. They are comfortable balancing independence and collaboration, managing changing priorities, and working creatively to help families achieve their goals. Most importantly, they never lose sight of why they entered this field in the first place: to support people, strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.

Bachelor's degree in social work or related human service field or education OR An associate's degree with two years of experience working with families is acceptable, provided the candidate is actively working toward a bachelor's degree in human services or education to be completed within six months.

Experience working with children and families. Familiarity with child welfare systems, community resources, and protective factors frameworks.

You believe in the strength and potential of families—even during difficult circumstances. You are skilled at building trust, engaging people from diverse backgrounds, and helping families navigate challenges while maintaining dignity and hope. You bring knowledge of child welfare and community resources, strong organizational and communication skills, and a willingness to adapt to the needs of families.

Applicants must meet all position requirements, including required screenings, licensure and insurance requirements,…