MiFamily Together Program Advocate

Mifamily Together Advocate

Reports to:

MiFamily Together Program Supervisor

Estimated

Start Date:

September 7, 2026

Term:
This is a 3-year, state-funded contract, with the possibility of extension.

Position Summary:

The MiFamily Together Advocate is responsible for providing direct, family-centered services to children and families involved in prevention, family preservation, reunification, and placement stabilization services. This position delivers intensive in-home and community-based support designed to strengthen family functioning, improve child safety and well-being, reduce risk factors, and prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement.

The MiFamily Together Advocate works closely with families experiencing varying levels of need and is responsible for engaging caregivers, children, and natural supports through strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice. Services may include frequent in-home visits, coordination with community providers, participation in assessments, development and implementation of family-centered service plans, and support in achieving individualized goals.

This role requires strong relationship-building skills, flexibility, responsiveness, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex family situations while maintaining compliance with program requirements, documentation standards, and evidence-informed practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field or education required
• Knowledge of child welfare systems, family preservation, prevention services, or community-based family support services preferred
• Experience working with children, families, or individuals in a human services, education, behavioral health, child welfare, or community-based setting preferred
• Experience providing in-home services, community-based, or direct support services to children and families preferred
• Experience with child welfare, prevention, reunification, placement stabilization, or other family-serving systems preferred
• Ability to learn and apply structured service models, assessment tools, and family centered planning approaches
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and engagement skills
• Ability to manage complex family situations and maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community-based settings

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Direct Service Delivery

• Provide direct in-home, community-based, and video-based services to children and families in accordance with MiFamily Together requirements and agency policy
• Maintain regular face-to-face contact with families based on identified service needs and program expectations
• Engage caregivers, children, and family supports using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and family-centered approaches
• Support families in identifying strengths, addressing barriers, improving functioning, and achieving service goals related to prevention, reunification, and family stability
• Assist families in accessing and coordinating community resources and supportive services
• Support child safety, family preservation, placement stabilization, and permanency planning efforts
• Participate in an on-call rotation schedule as determined by supervisor to ensure 24/7 coverage

Assessment and Service Planning

• Participate in FAST assessments and other program-related assessment activities
• Monitor family progress and adjust interventions and supports in collaboration with supervisors and program partners as appropriate
• Utilize structured and evidence-informed approaches in service delivery

Collaboration and Community Coordination

• Collaborate closely with supervisors, Parent Partners, BSFT Interventionists when applicable, MDHHS staff, schools, service providers, and community partners to support coordinated service delivery
• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, staffing meetings, and collaborative planning activities

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete required documentation, assessments, service notes, reports, and related records in accordance with program timelines, contractual requirements, and agency policy

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment and Schedule:

This position requires extensive community-based and in-home work with children and families. Work will often occur during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet family and program needs, including urgent responses to referral time frames

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to:

• Operate a motor vehicle and travel within the agency's service areas
• Navigate homes and community environments, including climbing stairs, bending, and crouching
• Sit, stand, and move for extended periods
• Safely transport children or family members when required and approved by program policy

Employment Responsibilities:

• Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and provide proof of automobile insurance
• Must not have been convicted of child…