MFT Supervisor/Advocate

Catholic Charities West Michigan•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The MFT Supervisor/Advocate supervises MiFamily Together (MFT) program staff and directly provides services to families, including maintaining a partial caseload. MFT provides flexible, tailored support to families to promote safety and well-being, reduce risks to children, and help prevent out-of-home placement. This position serves Kent County and is responsible for staffing and overall program supervision. The role delivers and oversees services in accordance with MFT contract requirements, including in-home services, family engagement and assessments, safety planning, concrete supports, referrals, and follow-up. It also supervises and trains MFT Advocates and Parent Partners; monitors program operations, documentation, caseloads, quality improvement, reporting, billing, and budget adherence; and coordinates with referral sources, MDHHS, courts, and service providers. The position may transport clients using a personal vehicle and requires reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and personal auto insurance meeting stated minimum coverage limits. The position is primarily office-based, with travel to other agency offices as needed and regular work with families in the community. A flexible schedule is required, including the possibility of irregular hours, evenings, holidays, and weekends. Salary is up to $58,905 annually, based on relevant supervisory work experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services or education field.
Knowledge of Two-Generation (2Gen) philosophy and Motivational Interviewing.
Knowledge of child welfare policies and programs.
Knowledge of substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Ability to engage and relate to families with multiple challenges and maintain a positive, non-judgmental attitude toward families in crisis.
Ability to empower families to solve problems and work in partnership with team members and service providers.
Sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences in the agency’s service population.
Ability to identify and provide appropriate services to families and children ages 0–18.
Ability to recognize and address staff burnout, transference, countertransference, and compassion fatigue.
Skills in crisis intervention, assessment of potentially violent situations, and short-term goal setting.
Knowledge of local resources and their availability.
Ability to oversee MFT program operations and collaborate with local MDHHS staff, courts, and service providers.
Ability to build mutually respectful partnerships that help individuals and families develop skills and confidence.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, a good driving record with zero work restrictions, and personal auto insurance meeting the stated minimum bodily injury coverage limits.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, potentially 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.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of prior work experience with families and children is preferred.
At least one year of prior supervisory work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct services to families and maintain a partial caseload.
Provide services in accordance with MFT contract requirements, including in-home services for up to 180 days, with approved extensions up to 270 days total.
Maintain face-to-face contact with families at contract-defined frequencies and according to individual needs.
Complete required MDHHS and MFT documentation within established timeframes.
Engage family members using Motivational Interviewing and assess family strengths, needs, culture, and values.
Conduct family assessments to identify prevention goals.
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, improve 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.
Refer caregivers and children to additional services and collaborate with service providers and referring case managers.
Maintain flexible work schedules to meet family needs and provide timely crisis intervention.
Complete or attempt face-to-face follow-up visits three and six months after case closure.
Accept program referrals and provide backup for staff.
Oversee program operations related to family enrollment and participation.
Conduct weekly individual supervision with each MFT Advocate and facilitate bi-weekly team meetings.
Observe staff interactions with families and provide feedback on Motivational Interviewing skills.
Provide direct supervision and oversight to Parent Partners at least weekly.
Orient and train new MFT Advocates and Parent Partners; ensure staff receive required program and other relevant training.
Build a cohesive team and maintain positive staff morale and retention.
Manage staff schedules to ensure backup coverage and 24/7 availability.
Monitor use of required forms, case documentation, and follow-up visits; review and approve prevention plans.
Attend online Supervisor Community of Practice Meetings held bi-monthly.
Conduct continuous quality improvement activities.
Interview candidates and recommend individuals for hire.
Monitor staff caseloads and ensure staff use techniques to reduce burnout and fatigue.
Maintain contact with referral sources to encourage referrals and coordinate services.
Ensure data is prepared for internal and external reporting and program billing.
Assist with annual budget development and monitor program adherence to the budget.
Participate in agency, supervisory, and other required meetings.
Attend court hearings and provide testimony when requested by the family, MDHHS, or referring PAFC case manager; attend hearings to support staff and uphold the program model.
Transport clients using a personal vehicle as needed and drive for agency business.
Perform other special assignments at the supervisor’s request.