MFT Advocate

Catholic Charities West Michigan•Holland, MI

About The Position

The MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate follows MFT philosophy, values, and contract requirements while providing flexible, responsive services tailored to families’ needs. The role delivers in-home services for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days, and serves Ottawa County. The program supports family safety and well-being, aiming to reduce risks to children and help them remain with their families whenever possible. The Advocate engages families, assesses their strengths and needs, and provides practical support using Motivational Interviewing and the Two-Generation (2Gen) framework. Services include safety planning, life-skills and parenting support, assistance connecting to resources, and collaboration with case managers and service providers. The role requires a flexible schedule, including possible evenings, holidays, and weekends, and may involve crisis intervention, court appearances, and travel for agency business. This position is primarily office based, with in-home and other travel as duties require. It serves families and children ages 0–18. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Compensation is up to $47,715.20 annually, or $22.94 per hour based on relevant work experience.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a human services or education field; alternatively, an associate’s degree or equivalent in a human services or education field, two years of prior work experience with children and/or families, and active pursuit of a bachelor’s degree to be completed within six months of hire.
Knowledge of the Two-Generation framework and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Knowledge and skills to provide services appropriate to families and children ages 0–18.
Knowledge and skills related to substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Knowledge of MFT philosophy and intervention strategies.
Ability to maintain a nonjudgmental, positive attitude toward families in crisis.
Ability to empower families to solve problems and build skills and confidence.
Ability to work in partnership with team members and service providers.
Sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences in the agency’s service population.
Reliable transportation.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record with zero work restrictions.
Personal auto insurance meeting legal requirements, with minimum bodily injury coverage of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per incident, or $500,000 combined.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on client needs, potentially including irregular hours, evenings, holidays, and weekends.
Participation in initial and ongoing training provided by MDHHS and the agency.
Submission to agency-approved background checks.

Responsibilities

Provide services in accordance with MFT contract requirements.
Deliver in-home services for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days total.
Maintain face-to-face contact with families at contract-defined frequencies and according to individual needs.
Complete required MDHHS and MFT documentation within established timeframes.
Use Motivational Interviewing to engage family members, build rapport, and assess strengths, needs, culture, and values.
Conduct assessments with each family to understand prevention goals for each family member.
Provide and help families access concrete supports and resources, including housing, transportation, employment, education, and benefits.
Provide direct services using the Two-Generation framework to strengthen protective factors, increase family well-being, and support goals in Prevention Plan Reports.
Create proactive and reactive safety plans to address risk factors.
Teach and model life skills, household management, parenting skills, and community resource navigation.
Refer caregivers and children to additional services and collaborate with service providers and the referring case manager to support family goals.
Maintain a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs and provide timely crisis intervention.
Attend court hearings and provide testimony at the request of the family, MDHHS, or the referring PAFC case manager.
Attend training and meetings required by MDHHS and the agency.
Complete or attempt face-to-face follow-up visits at three and six months after case closure to review sustained goals and safety planning and assess further support needs.
Transport clients using a personal vehicle as needed and drive for agency business.
Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.