Family Advocate

Ironwood, MICHIGAN, United States of America

Full Time

UP Kids seeks a MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate to provide 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 (2

Gen) approach to improve child safety, strengthen protective factors, prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement, and support long-term family stability.

• Family Engagement & Assessment
• Direct Family Services
• Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
• Documentation & Compliance

• Motivational Interviewing
• Organization and Documentation
• Professional Ethics

• 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 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.

At UP Kids, we believe strong families build strong communities. As a MiFamily Together Advocate
, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with children and caregivers, helping families build on their strengths, overcome challenges, and create safer, more stable futures. It’s meaningful, hands‑on work where you can see the difference you make every day.

We also believe in supporting the people who do this important work. UP Kids offers an excellent benefits package, including quality health care coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mileage reimbursement, opportunity for two pay increase each year, ample paid time off, and a generous number of paid holidays throughout the year.

• quality health care coverage
• an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• mileage reimbursement
• opportunity for two pay increase each year
• ample paid time off
• a generous number of paid holidays throughout the year

If you’re looking for a career where your skills, compassion, and commitment to families can make a real difference—and where you’ll be part of a supportive team dedicated to children and families across the Upper Peninsula—
we’d love to have you join the UP Kids team.