Parent Partner, MiFamily Together Program

Description

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 Parent Partner provides support, encouragement, and guidance to parents and caregivers participating in MiFamily Together services. Parent Partners use their own experience successfully navigating the child welfare system to provide hope and support to other parents as they navigate challenges, build confidence, and work toward their family goals. 

The Parent Partner works as part of the MiFamily Together team with Advocates, Interventionists, supervisors, MDHHS staff, and community partners. This role requires compassion, reliability, good communication skills, healthy boundaries, and the ability to share personal experiences in a helpful and appropriate way. 

Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, or helping others is preferred. Formal human services employment experience is not required. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Parent Support and Engagement 

• Use personal experience with the child welfare system to provide hope, understanding, and support to MiFamily Together families facing similar challenges 
• Help parents understand and navigate child welfare processes, expectations, meetings, and available services 
• Help parents recognize strengths, build skills, strengthen relationships, and connect with community resources and supports 
• Support parents before and during meetings, court hearings, appointments, and other activities by helping them understand expectations and advocate for their needs 

Family Advocacy and Team Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with the MiFamily Together team and external partners such as MDHHS workers and other service providers and provide feedback to the MiFamily Together team regarding family strengths, progress, and support needs. 
• Share caregiver perspectives with professionals to support better understanding of family experiences 

Professional Responsibility 

• Share personal experiences in a helpful and appropriate way while maintaining healthy professional boundaries 
• Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings and demonstrate the ability to accept and apply feedback 
• Maintain confidentiality and respect for all families served 
• Support families experiencing stress, conflict, and challenges while remaining calm, respectful, and professional 

Documentation and Compliance 

• Follow agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and MiFamily Together program expectations 
• Complete required case notes and maintain accurate records of family contacts and support provided 

Qualifications: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license without restrictions and maintain appropriate automobile insurance 
• Must have previously experienced involvement with Child Protective Services or foster care as a parent or caregiver, with successful case closure 
• Must demonstrate a stable family situation with no current CPS substantiation for safety concerns 
• Ability and willingness to appropriately share personal experiences to support and encourage other parents 
• Ability to build positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners through strong communication, reliability, and follow-through 
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries while supporting families 
• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, or helping others preferred 
• Must successfully complete all required background checks, in accordance with agency, licensing, and program requirements.  Prior criminal history will be reviewed consistent with program requirements and does not automatically prevent employment eligibility. 
• Must not be listed on the Central Registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect 
• A new CPS complaint or investigation may impact the ability to provide Parent Partner services and will be reviewed consistent with program requirements 

Work Environment and Schedule:
This position provides support to families in homes, community settings, agency locations, and through approved virtual options. Work may occur during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet family and program needs. 

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 

Commitment to Mission and Values:
The Parent Partner 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.