MFT Parent Partner

About the role

MiFamily Together (MFT) Parent Partners work with parents to promote engagement in case activities via weekly phone, video, or face-to-face contacts. They support the safety and wellbeing of families, aiming to reduce the number of children experiencing out-of-home care.

Responsibilities

• Promote engagement in case activities via weekly phone, video, or face-to-face contacts.
• Support the safety and wellbeing of families by fostering meaningful engagement and providing tailored support.
• Attend training as required within the program and agency.
• Coach parents on what to expect throughout the child welfare process.
• Help maintain connections between parents and children by observing and advocating for children and family rights.
• Aid parents in identifying and advocating for their needs.
• Provide permanency, encouragement, outreach, and advocacy by connecting parents to resources within their communities.
• Collaborate with the MFT team to support the family and provide services.
• Complete all required MDHHS and MFT documentation within established timeframes.
• Support families by attending Family Team Meetings or Team Decision Meetings, court hearings, treatment and recovery appointments, or other events with parents.
• Facilitate a monthly one-hour voluntary support group meeting to all caregivers engaged in Parent Partner services.
• Transport adults or children with parent(s) present utilizing personal vehicle, as needed.
• Drive for agency business.
• Perform other duties as assigned per supervisor’s request.

Requirements

• A previously personal opened CPS or foster care case with successful case closure.
• A stable family situation without current Children’s Protective Services (CPS) substantiation for safety issues.
• No confirmed child abuse reported during the role of Parent Partner.
• Flexibility to attend meetings and facilitate groups including non-standard work hours such as evenings and weekends to meet client needs.
• Participation in mandated training(s), supervision, and team meetings.
• A willingness to share parenting experiences as a learning tool with other parents, community partners, and referring workers.
• Reliable transportation with a valid driver’s license and good driving record with zero work restrictions.
• Personal auto insurance as required by law with minimum bodily injury coverage limits of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per incident or $500,000 combined.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on needs of the clients served.
• Participation is required in initial and ongoing training provided by MDHHS and Agency.

Qualifications

• Not eligible for employment if convicted of any felony or placed on the Central Registry.
• If receives a new CPS complaint while employed, activities with MFT caregivers must be suspended until the investigation is complete.
• An investigation with confirmed abuse and neglect will result in end of employment.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with families.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of diverse families.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of child welfare systems and best practices.

Benefits

Michigan’s Children’s Service Administration believes that children should live with their families whenever possible, and MFT will support the department’s goal to reduce the number of children who experience out-of-home care and the associated trauma of being removed from their family.

Pay

Up to $20.79/hour based on relevant life and work experience.

Schedule

This position is primarily office based, however, on occasion may require travel to other Agency offices as required by position responsibilities and/or agency management.