Kinship Care Specialist

Southwest Human Development • Phoenix, AZ

2d

About The Position

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children. This position provides essential services, including home studies and support for kinship, foster, guardian, and adoptive families. Use your excellent communication skills to make a difference in the lives of children in need.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related human services field preferred
• Working knowledge of child welfare systems, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), and relevant state, federal, and local laws governing child placement, custody, and treatment.
• Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures and legal responsibilities related to suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Understanding of the impact of foster care on children and families.
• Microsoft Word, Windows experience, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background and drug test.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card preferred OR must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license, have access to an Arizona-registered vehicle, and maintain current vehicle insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Direct work in child welfare, service coordination, or with families at risk for abuse or neglect.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver services as outlined in the Scope of Work within Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) contracts.
• Complete home studies and courtesy supervision services for children who are in DCS custody through visiting with children and their kinship caregivers, foster parents, and/or adoptive parents in their homes.
• Display excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to complete reports that are submitted to court and/or the Department of Child Safety
• Provide education and support to kinship, foster, guardian, and adoptive families and connect them to community resources
• License and monitor kinship caregivers' homes
• Work in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Child Safety to better serve children and families
• Responsible for maintaining timely and accurate client files
• Establish a working partnership with families, community providers, and your peers

Benefits

• Day one zero contribution health plan options
• Wellness programming
• Generous paid time off
• High-quality paid training to promote professional growth and development
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level