Family Preservation Worker

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States

UP Kids contracts with the MDHHS Family Preservation Office. There are several contracts throughout Michigan. UP Kids covers the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan (EUP), which includes Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft and Chippewa Counties. Cases are referred through MDHHS and Tribal Child Welfare systems. Workers travel throughout the EUP to meet with families and help them develop safety plans, find ways to meet concrete needs including housing, provide transportation to services and link with resources, teach parents about age-appropriate expectations and positive parenting, and provide opportunities for family activities to improve bonding. The main skill needed is the ability to engage families.

PAY SCALE  No less than $19.02/hr dependent on education and experience. This is a full-time position but can start part-time during the initial training period. Benefits include health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), employee assistance program, mileage reimbursement, annual cost of living pay increases and performance based pay raises, holiday pay, and a generous leave package.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Child Development or related field

• Valid Michigan Driver's License and reliable transportation

• Understanding of the culture, the geography and the resources of the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan

• Physically able to drive long distances, able to lift up to 20 lbs., stand for up to two hours, and engage in light 

physical activities

QUALITIES:

• A healthy sense of self that engages with others positively, collaboratively and without bias

• A desire to always be learning something new, and is not afraid to ask questions

• Energetic, enthusiastic, enjoys life and enjoys sharing their energy to help families enjoy life

• Tolerant, flexible, able to adapt to changing working conditions, home environments and schedules

SKILLS:

• Ability to use computers and phones (Google Documents, video, social media, finding resources, Excel)

• Ability to objectively and accurately document and to write reports and progress notes

• Ability to work independently but also as part of a TEAM that works together to problem solve

• Ability to learn and understand how the impact of intergenerational trauma, poverty, substance abuse, mental 

health, and other challenges can impact on the cycle of child abuse; as well how using the Protective Factors 

Framework can help families to prevent abuse and become more resilient.