Kinship Navigator Specialist - Social Worker-Northern Iowa

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Mason City, IA

About The Position

Four Oaks is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Kinship Navigator Specialist to help children remain connected to relatives, kinship caregivers, and other trusted individuals who provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes. The specialist works with caregivers and community partners to identify needs, address barriers, connect families with services, and strengthen support systems. The role includes assessing caregiver needs and developing individualized Kinship Support Plans with achievable goals and action steps. The specialist helps families access services such as childcare, food assistance, clothing, furniture, transportation, medical, dental, and mental health care, as well as community programs, financial assistance, medical insurance, and legal support. Using a strengths-based approach, the specialist supports stable placements, child safety, and reunification when appropriate. The position is based in Mason City, Iowa, and is listed as full-time on the first shift. Four Oaks describes its workplace as supportive and team-oriented, with a business-casual environment and a flexible work schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, master's degree, or associate degree in social work or a human services-related field, plus two years of full-time paid experience in child welfare; alternatively, a master's degree in Human Services.
Compassion, resourcefulness, and passion for helping children and families succeed.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with foster and adoptive families.

Responsibilities

Support kinship caregivers providing homes for children in their extended families or natural support systems.
Build relationships with children, parents, relatives, fictive kin, and community professionals to identify needs, overcome barriers, and create positive outcomes.
Assess caregiver needs and develop individualized Kinship Support Plans with goals and action steps.
Help caregivers access childcare, food assistance, clothing, furniture, transportation assistance, and medical, dental, and mental health care.
Assist families in accessing community programs, financial assistance, medical insurance, and legal support when needed.
Connect caregivers with support groups and community resources that encourage shared experiences, emotional support, and connection.
Collaborate with families and community partners to maintain stable placements, support reunification when appropriate, and prioritize child safety.
Use a strengths-based approach to help families recognize their abilities, build confidence, and create lasting stability.
Help reduce unnecessary placement changes, identify service gaps, and strengthen caregiver engagement and sustainable kinship placements.