MFT Advocate

Catholic Charities West Michigan•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate follows the MFT philosophy, values, beliefs, and contract requirements while providing responsive, flexible services tailored to families’ needs. The position delivers in-home services in Kent County for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days total. Its purpose is to support family safety and well-being, reduce risk to children, and help children remain safely with their families. The Advocate engages families, assesses their strengths and needs, helps them access resources, and provides direct support to strengthen protective factors and family well-being. Services are delivered using Motivational Interviewing and the Two-Generation framework, with goals documented in Prevention Plan Reports. The role also includes safety planning, referrals and coordination with providers and case managers, required documentation, court participation when requested, and follow-up visits after case closure. The position is primarily office based, with regular in-home and community-facing family services, agency business driving, and occasional travel to other agency offices. Flexible scheduling is required to meet family needs and provide timely crisis intervention; schedules may include irregular hours, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

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 completed within six months of hire.
Knowledge of the Two-Generation framework and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to families and children ages 0–18.
Knowledge and skills in substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Knowledge of 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.
Sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences in the agency’s service population.
Ability to build mutually respectful partnerships that help individuals and families 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 meeting legal requirements and minimum bodily injury coverage of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per incident or $500,000 combined.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including 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 contract-defined frequency 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.
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.
Make appropriate referrals for caregivers and children and collaborate with service providers and the referring case manager to support family goals.
Maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate family appointments and 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 required by MDHHS and the agency.
Complete or attempt face-to-face follow-up visits three and six months after case closure to review sustained goal achievement 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 the supervisor.