Social Worker

Wellspring Lutheran Services•Jackson, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The MFT Advocate works with families participating in Michigan’s MiFamily Together program with Wellspring. The program aims to preserve families, reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements, support reunification, and strengthen family well-being through coordinated, whole-family support. The Advocate serves as a guide, partner, teacher, coach, and source of support for families facing challenges such as housing instability, mental health concerns, substance use, parenting struggles, financial hardship, or child welfare involvement. The work focuses on building trusting relationships, identifying family strengths, supporting safety and stability, connecting families with resources, and helping families work toward their goals. The position combines work from a home office or other designated workspace with in-home visits and community outreach throughout the assigned service area. Travel is required, with mileage paid; multi-county contracts may involve extended travel. The work may take place in homes and community settings with animals, smoke, strong odors, clutter, or insects. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required. Schedules may change in response to family needs, and the role involves frequent interruptions and driving in all weather conditions.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in social work, a related human services field, or education; alternatively, an associate's degree and two years of experience working with families are acceptable if the candidate is actively working toward a bachelor's degree in human services or education to be completed within six months.
Experience working with children and families.
Familiarity with child welfare systems, community resources, and protective factors frameworks.
Meet position requirements, including required screenings, licensure and insurance requirements, and technology expectations.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that supports family needs.
Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area and drive in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Reside within the assigned service area; preference will be given to applicants who do.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, respectful partnerships with families and help them identify goals, navigate challenges, and build on their strengths.
Work with caregivers to strengthen family safety and stability, enhance protective factors, develop safety plans, and build parenting and life skills.
Help families access community resources and supports, including healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and public benefits.
Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, child welfare professionals, referral sources, and community agencies to coordinate support and promote positive outcomes.
Conduct in-home visits and community outreach throughout the assigned service area.