Kinship Navigator Specialist

Job Description Salary: $45,000 - 47,000/yearKINSHIP NAVIGATOR SPECIALISTJob Category:Family ProgramsJob Status:Full-time, non-exemptReports to:Kinship NavigatorProgramManagerAboutFosterAdoptConnect:FosterAdoptConnect (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,diverseand 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.TheKinship Navigator Specialistprovideskinshipcaregiversassistancewithunderstanding, 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 onindividualneedsincluding but not limited toaccessinghealthcare andlegal services, support groups,advocacy,training, and emergency fundsfor the purpose ofstrengtheningthe family whilepromoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.Responsibilities:Primaryresponsibilitiesinclude but are not limited to:Acceptand respond toreferralsfrom the communityofkinshipparents needing help to provide effective care to children.Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously whilemaintainingfrequent, open communication with directsupervisor.Provide caregivers with information, referrals, andcommunity resources.Assistcaregivers inidentifyingand removing barriers toreceivingservices.Create a Navigation Plan,inpartnership,with the caregiver to meet identified needs.Ensure kinship families have access to benefits for which they are eligible.Assistcaregivers inutilizingexisting 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 datato complete andmaintainup-to-date documentation of families/clientsin a timely manneron presenting problems and resources/supports given inFAC client database system.Collaboratewith key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners.Attend community meetings as needed.Participate in staffmeetings andassistother program staff as needed.Participate intrainingsand other community educational networking opportunities to educate others aboutFACsprograms 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 demographicsin order toeffectively and efficiently serve clients.Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.Qualifications& Preferred SkillsHigh school diploma or equivalent,Bachelors Degree in social work(preferred) or in related human services field.Previousexperience working with children and familiesrequired.Previousexperience working with at-risk populations.Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities andproposing new ways of creating efficiencies.Organizational and planning skills.Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy forrelative and kinshipfamilies, and personal experience or connection is preferred.Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, anddynamic professional teams.Strong verbal communication skills anddemonstratedskillto write clearlyand effectively.Quicklyestablishrapport and build trust.Flexible anda self-starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting alldeadlines.Experience working with marginalized communities with anunderstanding of systemic oppressions.Adaptableto shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.Flexibleinwork hours. May includesome evening and weekend appointments.Compensation&BenefitsCompensationcommensuratewith experience.Comprehensive benefits package including:Highly-competitivehealth plan.Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost toemployee.Voluntary life and short-term disability optionsavailable.403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options.Employee Assistance Program.Generous paid time off and holidays.FosterAdoptConnect does not and shall not discriminateon the basis ofrace, 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.Employee Name Printed:_____________________________Employee Signature: Date: