Kinship Navigator

Communities Connected for Kids (CCK) • Port St. Lucie, FL

44d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kinship Navigator works directly with kinship caregivers to help them navigate the child welfare system and obtain resources to meet the physical, emotional, financial, and basic needs of the children in their care, as well as their own needs. The role is based in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, and is part of Communities Connected for Kids’ child and family services program. It includes direct caregiver support, advocacy, outreach, training, resource and benefits navigation, and participation in collaborative planning and support groups. The position requires a background screening in accordance with Florida Statute 435.12.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Knowledge of Florida’s Practice Model and the Florida Safe Family Network (FSFN).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer applications and digital communication tools.
• Ability to learn new technology and programs quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills when working with diverse populations.
• Skills in facilitating collaborative problem-solving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing deadlines.
• Analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to pass a background screening in accordance with Florida Statute 435.12.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• One year of kinship or child welfare caregiver experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct home visits with kinship caregivers.
• Educate caregivers about resources for the children they are raising and for their own needs.
• Provide information about enrollment in federal, state, and local benefits.
• Provide relevant caregiving training to kinship caregivers.
• Help caregivers navigate child custody and other legal options and obtain legal services.
• Conduct outreach to kinship caregivers, including distributing relevant guides and materials.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships and rapport with kinship caregivers.
• Advocate and act as a liaison to ensure caregivers receive adequate support and children have positive outcomes.
• Ensure caregivers’ voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
• Attend and participate in staffings to identify needed supports and services.
• Participate in developing, planning, and facilitating virtual and in-person support groups for kinship caregivers and children.
• Enter data into the Statewide Child Welfare Information System (FSFN).
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Quality low-cost benefits, with a 30-day eligibility waiting period for new hires.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children in need of support.
• Rewards from seeing families improve and flourish through referred services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED