MFT Advocate

Catholic Charities West Michigan•Stanton, MI

About The Position

The MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate adheres to MFT philosophy, values, and contract requirements while providing responsive, flexible services tailored to families’ needs. The role delivers in-home services for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days total, and serves various counties. The program supports child safety and family wellbeing, aiming to reduce risks to children and avoid the trauma of out-of-home care when possible. The Advocate engages family members, assesses strengths and needs, helps families access resources, and provides direct support to strengthen protective factors and achieve Prevention Plan goals. The position involves collaboration with case managers and other service providers, documentation, safety planning, possible court attendance and testimony, follow-up after case closure, and transportation of clients using a personal vehicle as needed. Flexible scheduling is required to meet family needs and provide timely crisis intervention.

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 (2Gen) 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 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, a valid driver’s license, a good driving record with zero work restrictions, and personal auto insurance meeting the stated legal minimum bodily injury coverage limits 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, based on client needs.
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 the contract-defined frequency and based on individual needs.
Complete required MDHHS and MFT documentation within established timeframes.
Engage family members using Motivational Interviewing to 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, benefits, and other needs.
Provide direct services to strengthen protective factors and family wellbeing using the Two-Generation (2Gen) framework and support goals outlined 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 needs 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.