Reports to: MiFamily Together Program Supervisor
Estimated Start Date: September 7, 2026
Term: This is a 3-year, state-funded contract, with the possibility of extension.
Position Summary:
The MiFamily Together Advocate is responsible for providing direct, family-centered services to children and families involved in prevention, family preservation, reunification, and placement stabilization services. This position delivers intensive in-home and community-based support designed to strengthen family functioning, improve child safety and well-being, reduce risk factors, and prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement.
The MiFamily Together Advocate works closely with families experiencing varying levels of need and is responsible for engaging caregivers, children, and natural supports through strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice. Services may include frequent in-home visits, coordination with community providers, participation in assessments, development and implementation of family-centered service plans, and support in achieving individualized goals.
This role requires strong relationship-building skills, flexibility, responsiveness, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex family situations while maintaining compliance with program requirements, documentation standards, and evidence-informed practices.
Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field or education required
Knowledge of child welfare systems, family preservation, prevention services, or community-based family support services preferred
Experience working with children, families, or individuals in a human services, education, behavioral health, child welfare, or community-based setting preferred
Experience providing in-home services,
Community-based, or direct support services to children and families preferred
Experience with child welfare, prevention, reunification, placement stabilization, or other family-serving systems preferred
Ability to learn and apply structured service models, assessment tools, and family centered planning approaches
Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and engagement skills
Ability to manage complex family situations and maintain professional boundaries
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community-based settings

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Direct Service Delivery

Provide direct in-home, community-based, and video-based services to children and families in accordance with MiFamily Together requirements and agency policy
Maintain regular face-to-face contact with families based on identified service needs and program expectations
Engage caregivers, children, and family supports using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and family-centered approaches
Support families in identifying strengths, addressing barriers, improving functioning, and achieving service goals related to prevention, reunification, and family stability
Assist families in accessing and coordinating community resources and supportive services
Support child safety, family preservation, placement stabilization, and permanency planning efforts
Participate in an on-call rotation schedule as determined by supervisor to ensure 24/7 coverage

Assessment and Service Planning

Participate in FAST assessments and other program-related assessment activities
Monitor family progress and adjust interventions and supports in collaboration with supervisors and program partners as appropriate
Utilize structured and evidence-informed approaches in service delivery

Collaboration and Community Coordination

Collaborate closely with supervisors, Parent Partners, BSFT Interventionists when applicable, MDHHS staff, schools, service providers, and community partners to support coordinated service delivery
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, staffing meetings, and collaborative planning activities

Documentation and Compliance

Complete required documentation, assessments, service notes, reports, and related records in accordance with program timelines, contractual requirements, and agency policy

Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Work Environment and Schedule:
This position requires extensive community-based and in-home work with children and families. Work will often occur during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet family and program needs, including urgent responses to referral timeframes
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to:

Operate a motor vehicle and travel within the agency's service areas
Navigate homes and community environments, including climbing stairs, bending, and crouching
Sit, stand, and move for extended periods
Safely transport children or family members when required and approved by program policy

Employment Responsibilities:

Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and provide proof of automobile insurance
Must not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire
Must not be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect
Must comply with all background check and licensing requirements applicable to the position

Commitment to Mission and Values:
The MiFamily Together Advocate will follow and uphold the agency's Mission and Vision Statements, including its commitment to strength-based services, inclusion, and diversity.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Hands Across The Water does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, height, weight, familial or marital status, mental or physical ability, socioeconomic status, military service obligation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Please refrain from calling regarding the status of your application. All applications will be reviewed, and all applicants will be notified of their status.
Salary Description
$49,920 annually, $24 Hourly

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