Advocate (Family Preservation Worker)

Hands Across The Water Inc•Livonia, MI

55d

About The Position

The MiFamily Together Advocate provides direct, family-centered services to children and families involved in prevention, family preservation, reunification, and placement stabilization. The role delivers intensive in-home, community-based, and video-based support to strengthen family functioning, improve child safety and well-being, reduce risk factors, and prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement. The Advocate engages caregivers, children, and natural supports using strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered practices. Services include frequent family contact, community resource coordination, participation in assessments, development and implementation of service plans, and support in meeting individualized goals. The position involves managing complex family situations while following program requirements, documentation standards, and evidence-informed practices. It requires community-based travel and work during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as participation in an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 coverage. The role reports to the MiFamily Together Program Supervisor and has no supervisory responsibilities. The estimated start date is September 7, 2026. The position is part of a three-year, state-funded contract with the possibility of extension. The Advocate must have a valid driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, and automobile insurance, and must meet applicable background-check and licensing requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field or education.
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.
Ability to learn and apply structured service models, assessment tools, and family-centered planning approaches.
Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of automobile insurance.
Must not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.
Must not be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect.
Must comply with background-check and licensing requirements applicable to the position.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel within the agency’s service areas.
Ability to navigate homes and community environments, including climbing stairs, bending, and crouching.
Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods.
Ability to safely transport children or family members when required and approved by program policy.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of child welfare systems, family preservation, prevention services, or community-based family support services.
Experience working with children, families, or individuals in a human services, education, behavioral health, child welfare, or community-based setting.
Experience providing in-home, community-based, or direct support services to children and families.
Experience with child welfare, prevention, reunification, placement stabilization, or other family-serving systems.

Responsibilities

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.
Help families identify strengths, address barriers, improve functioning, and achieve 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 determined by the supervisor to ensure 24/7 coverage.
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.
Use structured and evidence-informed approaches in service delivery.
Collaborate with supervisors, Parent Partners, BSFT Interventionists when applicable, MDHHS staff, schools, service providers, and community partners.
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, staffing meetings, and collaborative planning activities.
Complete required documentation, assessments, service notes, reports, and related records within program timelines and in accordance with contractual requirements and agency policy.
Follow and uphold the agency’s Mission and Vision Statements, including its commitment to strength-based services, inclusion, and diversity.