MFT Advocate

Catholic Charities West Michigan • Big Rapids, MI

3d

About The Position

The MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate follows the MFT philosophy, values, beliefs, and contract requirements while providing responsive, flexible services that meet families where they are. The role supports meaningful engagement and offers tailored assistance to help families thrive, reduce risks to children, and support children remaining safely with their families. Services are delivered in the home for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days total, across various counties.

The Advocate engages families, assesses their strengths and needs, helps them access concrete resources, supports family goals and safety planning, and coordinates with other providers and referring case managers. The position requires flexible scheduling, including possible evenings, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours, as well as travel and use of a personal vehicle when needed. It is primarily office based, with travel to other agency offices as responsibilities require.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a human services or education field; or 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 obtained 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 in substance abuse and mental health disorders.
• Knowledge of the MFT philosophy and intervention strategies.
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental, positive attitude toward families in crisis and empower families to solve problems.
• Ability to work in partnership with team members and service providers.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences in the agency's service population.
• Ability to build mutually respectful partnerships with individuals and families and help them develop skills and confidence in addressing issues and problems.
• Reliable transportation.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record with zero work restrictions.
• Personal auto insurance as required by law, with minimum bodily injury coverage of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per incident or $500,000 combined.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on clients' needs, which may include irregular hours, evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Participation in initial and ongoing training provided by MDHHS and the agency.
• Must submit 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 the frequency required by the contract and based on 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.
• Help families access concrete supports and resources, including housing, transportation, employment, education, benefits, and other needs.
• 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.
• Make appropriate referrals for caregivers and children and collaborate with service providers and referring case managers to support family goals.
• Maintain flexible work schedules to accommodate families' needs and provide timely crisis intervention.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony when requested by the family, MDHHS, or the referring PAFC case manager.
• Attend training and meetings as 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 goal achievement, closure safety planning, and any further assistance needed to keep children safely at home.
• Transport clients using a personal vehicle as needed and drive for agency business.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time