Kinship Navigator Specialist

Quapaw Nation Careers•Miami, OK

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinship Navigator Specialist provides comprehensive support, advocacy, and resource coordination to relatives and kinship caregivers raising Quapaw Nation children. The specialist helps caregivers navigate complex systems, identify resources, strengthen caregiving skills, and access services that promote family stability and child well-being. The role works collaboratively with Indian Child Welfare staff, Tribal programs, community organizations, schools, courts, healthcare providers, and state agencies to coordinate culturally responsive services. Through education, advocacy, and individualized case management, the position supports family preservation, strengthens kinship placements, and helps prevent unnecessary foster care entry whenever safely possible. The position is based at the Ki-Ho-Ta Center in Miami, Oklahoma, and is in the Indian Child Welfare Department. It reports to the Child & Adult Welfare Program Manager. The position is non-exempt and safety-sensitive, and requires a driver’s license. Work is primarily in an office, with frequent travel throughout the Quapaw Nation service area for home visits, meetings, and community outreach; occasional in-state and out-of-state travel may be required. The role requires professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. Hiring preference is provided first to qualified Quapaw Nation members, then to spouses and caregivers of Quapaw Nation members, and then to members of other federally recognized tribes.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with caregivers, children, families, and community partners.
Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to assess family strengths and identify available resources.
Strong organizational, case management, and time management skills; ability to coordinate multiple services and maintain accurate documentation.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and family-centered practice principles.
Knowledge of community resources and public assistance programs.
Knowledge of federal, tribal, and state child welfare systems and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer applications.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to crisis situations and make timely referrals.
Ability to obtain a favorable adjudication certification within 90 days of hire.
Must pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening; the hiring process also requires pre-employment drug screening, criminal background check, and confirmation of professional references.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring reaching above shoulder level.
Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, seminars, and professional development, and to travel frequently throughout the Quapaw Nation service area for home visits, meetings, and outreach.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Family Studies, or a closely related field.
Experience working with Native American communities and knowledge of tribal culture and traditions.
Experience providing case management, resource coordination, family support, or social services.
Experience working with kinship caregivers, child welfare, family preservation, or prevention services.
A combination of education, training, and directly related professional experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for relatives and kinship caregivers seeking assistance.
Conduct strengths-based assessments to identify caregiver and child needs.
Develop individualized Family Support Plans with caregivers and help them set goals and overcome barriers to stable placements.
Provide information and referrals to tribal, federal, state, and community resources, and help caregivers apply for and enroll in available benefits and services.
Coordinate referrals for legal assistance, behavioral health, financial resources, educational supports, respite care, healthcare, childcare, housing, transportation, and other services.
Conduct home visits as appropriate to assess needs, provide support, and strengthen caregiver capacity.
Maintain regular contact with caregivers to monitor progress, evaluate services, and address emerging needs.
Advocate for and support caregivers navigating child welfare, education, healthcare, and court systems.
Coordinate and facilitate support groups, educational workshops, parenting classes, and cultural programming for kinship families.
Assist with Positive Indian Parenting, Circle of Keepers, and other evidence-informed or culturally based programming.
Connect children and caregivers with Quapaw Nation traditions, language, cultural events, and tribal resources to promote cultural identity.
Collaborate with Indian Child Welfare staff, Juvenile Affairs, Adult Protective Services, Social Services, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to coordinate services.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with tribal departments, partner agencies, and community organizations.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in accordance with program policies and grant requirements.
Collect data and maintain documentation for grant reporting, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
Assist with community outreach, caregiver recruitment, and public awareness activities related to kinship services.
Represent the Quapaw Nation at community meetings, conferences, and outreach events as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and ethical and professional standards.
Provide timely information about available resources and services to the Indian Child Welfare Manager.
Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions; assist with special projects; provide educational presentations when requested; and perform other assigned related duties.