Kinship Navigator Specialist

FosterAdopt Connect • Kansas City, KS

1d

About The Position

FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive, diverse and inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time. Work alongside families caring for children who are not their own to connect them to community resources that will provide stability and keep kids safe and out of traditional foster care. The Kinship Navigator Specialist provides kinship caregivers assistance with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out-of-home care supports and services for children. Kinship Navigator Specialists provide flexible and responsive services to kinship families based on individual need s including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, training, and emergency funds for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s Degree in social work (preferred) or in re lated human services field .
• Previous experience working with children and families .
• Previous experience working with at-risk populations.
• Demonstrated resourc efulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of cre ating efficiencies.
• O rganizational and planning skills.
• C ollaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated skill to write clearly and effectively.
• Q uickly establish rapport and build trust.
• Flexible and a self -starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a n understanding of systemic oppressions.
• Adaptable to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.
• Flexible i n work hours . May include some evening and weekend appointments.

Nice To Haves

• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for relative and kinship families , and personal experience or connection is preferred .

Responsibilities

• Accept and respond to referrals from the community of kinship parents needing help to provide effective care to children.
• Prioritize and manag e multiple cases simultaneously while m aintain ing frequent , open communication with direct supervisor .
• Provide caregivers with information, referrals, and community resources.
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving service s .
• Create a Navigation Plan , in partnership , with the caregiver to meet identified needs.
• Ensure kinship families have access to benefi ts for which they are eligibl e.
• Assist caregivers in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.
• Improve caregivers’ social support systems .
• Improve family resources ( i.e., basic needs items, money to pay for bills, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships, etc.).
• Collect and record all data to complete and maintain up-to-date documentation of families/clients in a timely manner on presenting problems and resources/supports given in FAC c lient database system.
• Collaborate with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners.
• Attend community meetings as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and assist other program staff as needed.
• P articipate in trainings and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about FAC’s programs and to promot e partnerships and sponsorships.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times .
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Director .
• Participate as an active team member with colleagues of all demographics in order to effectively and efficiently serve clients .
• Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Benefits

• Highly-competitive health plan.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.
• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee .
• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available .
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees