Human Services Specialist- Kinship Navigator (Limited Term)

Arlington County VA•Arlington, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Child & Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Human Services Specialist (Kinship Navigator) to lead and strengthen outreach and support efforts for kinship caregivers within the community. The Kinship Navigator will be responsible for developing and implementing outreach programming that increases awareness of kinship care and available resources, as well as providing individualized assistance to kinship caregivers. This role supports caregivers in learning about, accessing, and effectively utilizing community-based programs, benefits, and services to meet the safety, wellbeing and permanent needs of children in their care. Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Mental Health, or Counseling
Some experience in human/social services programs, teaching/applying behavior management techniques, counseling, training the handicapped, applying job training techniques, and/or making human service referrals
A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
State of Virginia Child Welfare and Neglect Central Registry check will be required.
The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of employment, a valid driver's license, and provide a copy of or allow Arlington County to obtain a copy of the driving record.
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
To ensure that dual relationships are avoided and that employees who are also clients do not relate to their service provider as co-professionals, employees will not be hired by the County to provide or support services to the team or program in which they are current clients: You cannot concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County Community Service Board (CSB) programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program (exception Crisis Intervention services). At least 24 months must have passed between receipt of CSB services from Arlington County and employment in an Arlington County CSB program.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field and/or experience in one or more of the following:
Providing direct services to children and families involved with child welfare
Supporting and promoting an inclusive and diverse environment
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Experience with public speaking

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing Kinship Navigator outreach materials such as fliers and brochures
Assisting kinship families by connecting to other kinship families in the community with the use of social media and providing outreach activities for families
Participating in community presentations at local and state community events
Offering virtual or in-person support groups on a rotating basis
Hosting community events independently or collaboratively to provide information and referral for kinship families
Linking kinship caregivers and youth to a wide array of services and supports to ensure stability and safety within the home
Developing an information and referral system that links caregivers to community resources and outreach activities
Maintaining up to date information on community resources
Providing case management services to kinship caregivers that are assessed as needing more intensive services through the Kinship Caregiver Needs Assessment
Providing training and education to kinship caregivers