Parent Partner - Central Upper Peninsula

*Become a Parent Partner in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, serving Alger, Marquette & Schoolcraft counties | Hybrid | $40,000 a year* _If you've ever wished your own journey through the child welfare system as a parent or caregiver could help someone else find hope, this is your opportunity to turn experience into impact. _Some kinds of support can only come from someone who has been through similar challenges. As a *Parent Partner*, you will use your own experience to help other parents facing challenges with the child welfare system. As part of Michigan's *MiFamily Together (MFT)* program, Parent Partners work with families to help them stay together, reunite when possible and build a stronger future. Families often feel more hopeful when they have someone who understands what they are going through and believes they can succeed. *Be the Support You Once Needed* If you have been involved with the child welfare system, you know how confusing, stressful and overwhelming it can feel. You understand the importance of having someone who listens, explains what is happening and offers encouragement along the way. As a Parent Partner, you'll use your experience to support parents as they: * Navigate child welfare, education and behavioral health systems * Attend important meetings * Speak up for themselves and their children * Work toward personal and family goals You'll help parents recognize their strengths and remind them that positive change is possible. Your support can make a lasting difference. When parents gain confidence and learn to advocate for themselves, families grow stronger. Children benefit from more stability, healthier relationships and better opportunities for success. *How You'll Make a Difference* * *Turn Experience Into Hope. *Share your story in a positive and professional way to help parents feel understood and less alone. Show them that success is possible. * *Walk Alongside Families. *Help parents understand systems and processes that may feel confusing or overwhelming. Be a trusted source of support and encouragement. * *Build Confidence. *Help caregivers identify their strengths, develop self-advocacy skills and take an active role in decisions that affect their families. * *Connect Families to Resources. *Help families find community resources, educational programs and support networks that can improve stability, reduce barriers and support their goals. *EDUCATION* * High school diploma or GED preferred *EXPERIENCE* *Applicants must have personal experience as a parent or caregiver who was involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) or the foster care system, and successfully completed their case.* This means you had your own CPS or foster care case that was closed with a positive outcome. Applicants must not have any current CPS investigations, open CPS cases, or unresolved child safety concerns. *Your lived experience is not a barrier to employment. In fact, it is an important qualification for this position. * *QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS* Preference will be given to applicants who live within the assigned service area, which includes these counties: *Alger, Marquette & Schoolcraft counties* The ideal candidate: * Builds trust with families * Communicates clearly and respectfully * Maintains professional boundaries * Works well independently and as part of a team * Connects families with community resources * Helps parents recognize strengths and opportunities for growth * Feels comfortable leading virtual parent support groups, with training provided Experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices is preferred. Bilingual and multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants must: * *Have personal experience as a parent or caregiver who was involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) or the foster care system, and successfully completed their case. (NOTE: This is a requirement for this position.)* * Pass required background, CPS, driving record and post-offer screenings * Have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and required insurance coverage * Be comfortable using technology for documentation and communication * Be available to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, holidays or overtime as needed Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. *Important Role Boundaries. *Parent Partners provide peer support, guidance and advocacy for parents and caregivers. This role does not include: * Child care * Child supervision * Transportation for children The focus is on helping parents build skills, confidence and connections that support their family's goals. *WORK ENVIRONMENT* This hybrid position includes: * Working from home or another approved workspace * Virtual meetings with parents * In-home visits * Community outreach throughout the service area You'll spend time meeting with families and supporting them in real-world settings. The role requires flexibility, independent travel with mileage reimbursement and comfort working in a variety of home and community environments. This may include homes with multiple occupants, pets, environmental considerations or heightened emotional stress related to family circumstances. Evening and occasional weekend availability may be required to accommodate families' schedules. Regular travel throughout the service area will occur in a variety of weather conditions. *Why Wellspring?* Few opportunities allow you to make a difference the way a Parent Partner can. Your experience can help a parent feel less alone. Your encouragement can help a family keep moving forward. Your support can create stability, strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for children. Pay: $40,000.00 per year Benefits: * 403(b) matching * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible schedule * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Loan forgiveness * Mileage reimbursement * Paid time off * Vision insurance Application Question(s): * This position requires personal experience with Child Protective Services (CPS) or the foster care system as a parent or caregiver. This means you were personally involved in a CPS or foster care case that was later closed with a positive outcome. Do you have this experience? (This question is asking about your own personal experience as a parent or caregiver with an open CPS or foster care case that was successfully closed. If you have only worked in child welfare, know someone who was involved with CPS, or have experience as a child in the system, select No.) * Please briefly describe your experience and include: Whether your experience was with CPS, foster care, or both Your role (parent or caregiver) The positive outcome (for example, your case was successfully closed) Example: "I had an open CPS case as a parent. I completed my case plan and the case was closed with no ongoing concerns." * This position requires driving on behalf of the organization. If hired for this role, you will be required to provide proof of automobile insurance meeting the agency’s minimum coverage requirements, which currently include: •   Bodily Injury Liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident •   Property Damage Liability: $100,000 per accident Will you be able to meet and provide proof of these insurance requirements if selected for this position? Response options: •   Yes •   No •   I would need to update my coverage to meet these requirements Work Location: Hybrid remote in Marquette County, MI