Advocate

Location:

Newaygo & Muskegon Counties, MI
Status:
Full-time (32-40 hours/week), M-Th, 9 AM-5 PM (office hours) and occasional events/groups to attend outside those hours
Classification:
Nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act

Education:

Degree in Social Work or related field preferred; CCAR Certification a plus
Pay Range: $22-27/Hour
Description Written/Last Reviewed:
August 2026

Reports to:

Director of Operations

Position Summary:

The Hope Project’s (THP) Advocate will help with case management of youth and adult clients and help with fulfilling program goals. This Advocate position will be trained in Muskegon County but will have clients in Muskegon & Newaygo Counties. They must be willing to commute between these two counties.

• Case Management:
  • Provide screening and client intakes
  • Manage an active case load of 30-60 clients
  • Co-facilitate support groups when needed
  • Document in Apricot Database interactions with clients
  • Provide Advocacy and Supportive Services:
    Assist and/or advocate on behalf of clients and to link clients with community systems personnel to secure the following services:
    • Youth Services:
      Provide youth clients with referrals to activities and programming including but not limited to, counseling, recreational activities, arts and crafts, tutoring, mentoring, opportunities to participate in community activities such as 4-H, theater groups, volunteer organizations, etc. while supporting their parents/guardians.
    • Criminal Justice Advocacy:
      Provide support, assistance, and/or advocate for clients at any stage of the criminal justice process, including post-sentencing services. Work to ensure that clients have access to justice and legal entitlements, such as protection orders
    • Employment Services:
      Provide support, assistance and/or advocate for clients in gaining the necessary skills, knowledge, resources to secure employment suitable for maintaining independent living.
    • Provide support, assistance, and/or advocate for clients in accessing and utilizing community support services
    • Health Care:
      Provide support, assistance and/or advocate for clients in obtaining emergency and routine health care at hospitals, physicians, dentists, mental healthcare professionals and other healthcare providers.
    • Housing Advocacy:
      Provide support, assistance and/or advocate for clients in obtaining safe housing and/or relocating a client.
    • Transportation:
      Provide and/or assist clients with transportation to and from programming, appointments, court, etc. Adhere to all applicable laws related to safety in the transportation of children and adults.
    • Emergency Financial Assistance:
      Connect clients with financial and/or material resources for items such as prescriptions, transportation (e.g. bus passes, gas cards, taxi vouchers), security deposits, and security systems/modifications to address any emergency needs of the client.
  • Recovery Coaching (if certified life recovery coach)
    • Provide peer-based support to clients seeking or in recovery from substance use disorders.
    • Help create recovery plans, navigate resources, set goals, and build sober support networks with clients
    • Help clients maintain accountability to sustain long term recovery.
    • Facilitate recovery groups
  • Provide Systems Change, Community Education and Public Awareness
    • Work collaboratively with community systems used by crime victims during crisis. Systems include active participation on inter-agency councils, Case Managers Meeting and Task Forces to help further resources for clients
    • Educate or train adults and the general population on human trafficking.
    • Communicate effectively THP’s mission, values, and purpose to inspire people to support THP’s cause

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of…