Director of Kinship Navigator

A SECOND CHANCE INC•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Kinship Navigation is responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and expansion of kinship-focused services within Child and Family Services. This role leads program implementation, ensures compliance with county and state requirements, and drives initiatives to identify, support, and expand kinship placement resources. The Director provides leadership to staff, collaborates with internal & external stakeholders, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, family-centered services aligned with agency goals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required
Minimum of five (5) years of experience working within child welfare or a related human services field
Minimum of three (3) years of leadership, supervisory, or program management experience preferred
Experience working with kinship care, foster care systems, or family-centered service models preferred
Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Advanced knowledge of child welfare systems, kinship care practices, and regulatory requirements
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate program initiatives
Ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, including in high-pressure or crisis situations
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners, including county agencies and community providers
Knowledge of data tracking, performance metrics, and program evaluation
The ability to build and complete data reports based on strengths, needs, and opportunities within the department
Outgoing personality that may be required reach out to various jurisdictions around the country to ensure current kinship navigation practices are meeting best standards
Will be required to travel locally to ensure soft touch points for the regional offices of CYF, inclusive of attendance at their mandatory staff meetings when possible
Ability to ensure compliance with agency policies, DPW regulations, and contractual requirements
Demonstrated cultural competency, including experience working with diverse populations, with emphasis on families of African American heritage
Ability to complete on-call rotations for CFS
Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License
Registered and insured vehicle with proof of insurance
Ability to travel locally (city/county travel required)
Current Act 33, State Police, and FBI Clearances

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related human services field preferred

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Kinship Navigation and Expansion initiatives
Oversee program operations to ensure effective, timely, and compliant service delivery
Develop and implement strategies to expand kinship placement resources and improve placement outcomes
Supervise and support program staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development
Ensure compliance with all agency policies, county and state regulations
Collaborate with Allegheny County and other external partners to support kinship placement efforts and program alignment
Monitor program performance, including tracking outcomes, identifying trends, and implementing improvements
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and program standards
Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making
Support data collection, reporting, and analysis to inform program effectiveness and growth
Address complex or high-risk cases as needed and provide guidance to staff
Promote cross-departmental collaboration to ensure coordinated service delivery
Represent the program in meetings, audits, and external engagements as required
Support expansion efforts, including program development, community outreach, and partnership building
Perform other duties as assigned based on organizational needs