KinConnect Specialist

FosterAdopt Connect•Cape Girardeau, MO

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hope Children’s Home Direct Care & Family/Kin Locator assists house parents in behavioral management and supervision while identifying, locating, and coordinating family/kin resources and community resources for foster children placed at Hope Children’s Home. Responsibilities include supporting daily routines such as meals, hygiene, appointment coordination, transportation, and recreational activities. This position follows a hybrid schedule, working two evenings per week on-site alongside house parents, with up to one full day of remote work when duties can be completed off-site.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in social work (preferred) or in related human services field
Previous experience working with at-risk populations required
Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies
Outstanding organizational and planning skills
Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families
Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multidisciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams
Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated capability to write clearly and persuasively
Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Quickly establish rapport and build trust
Flexible and a self-starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines
Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics
Model ethical and professional behavior at all times
Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppression
Flexibility and adaptability, shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work
Previous experience working with at-risk populations

Responsibilities

Follow requirements and policies of the agency, contracts, state regulations, and COA standards
Maintain consistent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns, or questions
Assist in collecting information from relatives/kin to expand the child’s support system and family connections, while identifying potential relative home providers
Identify and document a minimum of 50 family/kin per child through diligent search activities, including internet & database searches, child protection and court case file reviews, child and family interviews
Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress in our internal database program. All documentation should occur within two (2) days of family contact
Complete and submit all required biweekly statistics by the scheduled supervision every two (2) weeks
Ensure well-being assessments are completed when placed at Hope Children’s Home, upon transition from the program, and thirty (30) days post-transition
Maintain frequent contact with case managers of children placed at Hope Children’s Home
Facilitate communication among team members and provide referring agencies with accurate family documentation, including detailed genograms, family contact information, and identified family supports
Build and maintain professional networks by attending meetings with house parent, supervisors, case managers, case manager supervisors, CASA, GAL, DJO, residential staff and other stakeholders. Attend all Family Support Team meetings and court hearings
Assist identified family/kin members with preparation for licensure by explaining the licensing process and assisting with home licensing requirements
Travel within surrounding counties to conduct home visits and attend meetings, with or without accommodation
Coordinate with house parents to ensure children receive required medical, dental, mental health, and educational assessments and treatment services
Assist with role-modeling, coaching, and re-direction to help children/youth self-regulate and develop independence in their daily living activities
Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e. attend and participate in all scheduled internal meetings as assigned, and professional development trainings)