Kinship Navigator Specialist

KINSHIP NAVIGATOR SPECIALIST

Job Category: Family Programs

Job Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Reports to: Kinship Navigator Program Manager

About FosterAdopt Connect:

FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive, diverse and inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time.

Job Summary: Work alongside families caring for children who are not their own to connect them to community resources that will provide stability and keep kids safe and out of traditional foster care. The Kinship Navigator Specialist provides kinship caregivers assistance with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out-of-home care supports and services for children. Kinship Navigator Specialists provide flexible and responsive services to kinship families based on individual needs including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, training, and emergency funds for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Accept and respond to referrals from the community of kinship parents needing help to provide effective care to children.
• Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining frequent, open communication with direct supervisor.
• Provide caregivers with information, referrals, and community resources.
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services.
• Create a Navigation Plan, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs.
• Ensure kinship families have access to benefits for which they are eligible.
• Assist caregivers in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.
• Improve caregivers' social support systems
• Improve family resources (i.e., basic needs items, money to pay for bills, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships, etc.).
• Collect and record all data to complete and maintain up-to-date documentation of families/clients in a timely manner on presenting problems and resources/supports given in FAC client database system.
• Collaborate with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners. Attend community meetings as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and assist other program staff as needed.
• Participate in trainings and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about FAC's programs and to promote partnerships and sponsorships.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Director.
• Participate as an active team member with colleagues of all demographics in order to effectively and efficiently serve clients.
• Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor's Degree in social work (preferred) or in related human services field.
• Previous experience working with children and families required.
• Previous experience working with at-risk populations.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Organizational and planning skills.
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for relative and kinship families, and personal experience or connection is preferred.
• Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Quickly establish rapport and build trust.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.
• Experience working with marginalized communities with an understanding of systemic oppressions.
• Adaptable to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.
• Flexible in work hours. May include some evening and weekend appointments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.
• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.
• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.
• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options.
• Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.

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