Kinship Navigator

The Childrens Home Society of Missouri • Saint Louis, MO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Kinship Navigator at FamilyForward, you will assist kin caretakers in understanding the complex legal, educational, and medical systems they will interact with, as well as a variety of social supports available in our community. FamilyForward is committed to upholding the Organizational Health Anchors that we have set for the agency, including safety; mindfulness and self-regulation; relational health; cultural diversity; inclusivity, equity, and anti-racism; clinical lens; vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field
• Two or more years of experience in child welfare, family advocacy, case management, or closely related area
• Possess a valid driver’s license and can operate a motor vehicle
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Can handle confidential information, administrative details, work independently, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
• Can develop trust-based relationships with children, caregivers, and co-workers

Nice To Haves

• Candidates having lived experience in kinship care or providing kinship care is preferred

Responsibilities

• Accept and respond to referrals from the community, kinship parents, and inter-agencies needing help in providing effective care to children
• Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions
• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services
• Create a Navigation Plan and needs assessment, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs
• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system
• Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO
• Act as liaison with key community stakeholders, develop open and clear communications with those partners, attending community meetings as needed
• Develop professional knowledge and skills by attending in-service training sessions, conferences, familiarizing yourself with community publications, and accepting cases from other programs.
• Complete 20 hours of annual training
• Complete other projects or job duties as needed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Optional short-term disability
• Virtual medical and mental health care coverage
• Employee Assistance Program counseling services
• Pre-tax medical Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Reimbursement Account for deductible expenses over $1000 individual; $2000 for families
• 3% dollar for dollar company-matched 403(b) retirement savings account
• Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance
• 10 paid holidays in addition to Wellness Week (December 25th – 31st), including 2 floating holidays for religious/cultural celebrations
• Paid vacation time and health and wellness leave
• Education assistance program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
• National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Eligible Site

What This Job Offers

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