Parent Partner Team Lead – 10708

Samaritas; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Samaritas is hiring a Preservation Parent Partner Team Lead in Michigan, serving families in Macomb, Oakland and Genesee counties. You will mentor and advocate for parents, help navigate the child welfare system and strengthen family resilience through strengths-based supports.

You’ll collaborate with MiFamily Together Advocates, social workers and community partners, maintain confidential records, participate in planning, and support families toward stability and permanency while honoring lived

Qualifications

• Lived experience with the child welfare system strongly preferred.
• Experience mentoring, supporting or advocating for families.
• Experience working with diverse populations and families facing complex challenges is beneficial.
• Knowledge of strengths‑based, family‑centered and solution‑focused approaches preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting supportive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Provide peer mentoring, encouragement and emotional support rooted in lived experience.
• Help families understand the child welfare process and navigate services successfully.
• Engage families through phone, virtual and face‑to‑face interactions.
• Support parents in identifying and achieving personal, family and case‑related goals.
• Help parents identify and communicate their needs, strengths and rights.
• Encourage active participation in family meetings, service planning and decision making.
• Support the development of protective factors that promote safety, resilience and family well‑being.
• Advocate for family‑centered practices and positive permanency outcomes.
• Strengthen connections between parents, children and supportive networks whenever appropriate.
• Connect families to resources: link families with community resources and supportive services, provide education about available programs and opportunities.
• Help remove barriers to service access and engagement.
• Encourage self‑sufficiency through skill building and resource navigation.
• Collaborate with MiFamily Together Advocates, child‑welfare professionals, supervisors and community organizations; participate in team meetings, case consultations and collaborative planning efforts; share updates regarding family progress, barriers and support needs; build positive relationships with referral partners and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate support and connection: assist with planning and facilitating parent and caregiver support groups; encourage participation in peer support activities that foster growth and resilience.
• Create safe, welcoming spaces where families feel heard, supported and empowered.
• Documentation and program support: maintain accurate, timely and confidential records of services provided; complete required documentation, reports and data entry; follow all agency policies, procedures and confidentiality standards; participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Relationship building

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Professional boundaries

Team collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

MS Office / documentation

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work Education or a related field

Job description

Now Hiring Preservation Parent Partner Team Lead

Location: Macomb, Oakland & Genesee Counties

Status: Full time

Schedule: Varied hours based on family availability

Turn Your Experience Into Impact

At Samaritas we believe every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. As one of Michigan’s leading faith‑based human service organizations we connect people with families and communities, empower them to live their fullest lives possible, and create lasting ripples of transformation across the state. Our mission is inspired by the compassion and service of the Good Samaritan and every day we work alongside children, parents and caregivers to build stronger families and healthier communities.

About the Role

As a Parent Partner Team Lead you will serve as a trusted mentor, advocate and source of encouragement for parents and caregivers involved in the child welfare system. Drawing from your own lived experience and a strengths‑based approach, you’ll empower families to overcome obstacles, engage in services, strengthen family relationships and work toward stability and permanency. In this meaningful role you’ll walk alongside families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives helping them build confidence, navigate systems, access resources and discover their own strengths. If you’re passionate about peer support, family preservation and creating positive change this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What You’ll Do

• Build trusting supportive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Provide peer mentoring, encouragement and emotional support rooted in lived experience.
• Help families understand the child welfare process and navigate services successfully.
• Engage families through phone, virtual and face‑to‑face interactions.
• Support parents in identifying and achieving personal, family and case‑related goals.
• Help parents identify and communicate their needs, strengths and rights.
• Encourage active participation in family meetings, service planning and decision making.
• Support the development of protective factors that promote safety, resilience and family well‑being.
• Advocate for family‑centered practices and positive permanency outcomes.
• Strengthen connections between parents, children and supportive networks whenever appropriate.
• Connect families to resources: link families with community resources and supportive services, provide education about available programs and opportunities.
• Help remove barriers to service access and engagement.
• Encourage self‑sufficiency through skill building and resource navigation.
• Collaborate with partners and professionals: work closely with MiFamily Together Advocates, child‑welfare professionals, supervisors and community organizations; participate in team meetings, case consultations and collaborative planning efforts; share updates regarding family progress, barriers and support needs; build positive relationships with referral partners and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate support and connection: assist with planning and facilitating parent and caregiver support groups; encourage participation in peer support activities that foster growth and resilience.
• Create safe, welcoming spaces where families feel heard, supported and empowered.
• Documentation and program support: maintain accurate, timely and confidential records of services provided; complete required documentation, reports and data entry; follow all agency policies, procedures and confidentiality standards; participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

What Success Looks Like

• Timely and accurate documentation of all services provided.
• Consistent achievement of family engagement and contact requirements.
• Strong collaboration with service teams and community partners.
• Compliance with agency contractual and regulatory standards.
• Positive outcomes related to family engagement, permanency and protective factor development.

What You’ll Bring

Education:
Required: High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred: Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work Education or a related field.

Experience:
Lived experience with the child welfare system strongly preferred.
Experience mentoring, supporting or advocating for families preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations and families facing complex challenges is beneficial.
Knowledge of strengths‑based, family‑centered and solution‑focused approaches preferred.

Skills & Strengths

• Ability to build trust and meaningful relationships with families.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective advocacy and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Team‑oriented mindset with strong collaboration skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and a non‑judgmental approach.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk and travel throughout the community.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work occurs in homes, community settings, agency offices and virtual environments.
• Flexible schedule that may include evening and occasional weekend hours to support family needs.

Travel Requirements

• Regular local travel to meet with families, attend meetings and engage with community partners.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and proof of automobile insurance required.

Why Join Samaritas

At Samaritas your story matters. Your experiences can inspire hope, build trust and help families discover their own path to success. As a Parent Partner Lead you’ll have the unique opportunity to turn your lived experience into meaningful impact while helping families achieve stability, connection and brighter futures. Join a mission‑driven team that’s committed to strengthening families, transforming communities and changing lives.