Social Worker

Wellspring Lutheran Services•Gaylord, MI

15d•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 a coordinated, whole-family approach. 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 role centers on building trusting relationships, recognizing family strengths, helping families develop skills and access resources, and supporting progress toward their goals and long-term safety and stability. 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, including extended travel for multi-county contracts, and mileage is paid. Work may take place in homes and community environments with animals, smoke, strong odors, clutter, or insects. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required. The role also involves frequent interruptions, schedule changes based on family needs, and driving in all weather conditions. Applicants must meet position requirements, including screenings, licensure and insurance requirements, technology expectations, and the ability to maintain a flexible schedule. Preference is given to applicants who reside within the assigned service area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, a related human service 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.
Ability to meet position requirements, including required screenings, licensure and insurance requirements, and technology expectations.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that supports family needs.
Evening, weekend, and holiday availability.
Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area and drive in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Residence within the assigned service area is preferred.

Responsibilities

Build respectful, trusting partnerships with families; help them identify goals, navigate challenges, and build on their strengths.
Work with caregivers to enhance protective factors, develop plans addressing safety concerns, build parenting and life skills, and create stable environments for children.
Help families access community resources and services addressing immediate needs and long-term self-sufficiency, including healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and public benefits.
Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, child welfare professionals, referral sources, and community agencies to coordinate effective support.