Family Advocate

About the role

UP Kids seeks a MiFamily Together (MFT) Advocate to provide intensive, home-based family preservation and reunification services to children and caregivers referred by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The Advocate partners with families using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to improve child safety, strengthen protective factors, prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement, and support long-term family stability.

Responsibilities

• Family Engagement & Assessment
• Direct Family Services
• Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
• Documentation & Compliance

Core Competencies

• Family-Centered Practice
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Motivational Interviewing
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Communication
• Advocacy
• Problem Solving
• Organization and Documentation
• Collaboration
• Professional Ethics

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Education, or a related human services field required. Equivalent qualifications permitted by MDHHS may be considered when applicable.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, families, child welfare, family preservation, behavioral health, or related services preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, family systems, and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to effectively engage families experiencing crisis.
• Strong assessment, advocacy, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

Why Join UP Kids?

At UP Kids, we believe strong families build strong communities. As a MiFamily Together Advocate, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with children and caregivers, helping families build on their strengths, overcome challenges, and create safer, more stable futures. It’s meaningful, hands-on work where you can see the difference you make every day.

We also believe in supporting the people who do this important work. UP Kids offers an excellent benefits package, including quality health care coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mileage reimbursement, opportunity for two pay increases each year, ample paid time off, and a generous number of paid holidays throughout the year.

Pay

Starting Salary: $45,000/year