Kinship Navigator

Arlington County VA•Arlington, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Child & Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Kinship Navigator to lead and strengthen outreach and support efforts for kinship caregivers within the community. This position will be responsible for increasing awareness of kinship care and available resources, as well as providing individualized assistance to kinship caregivers. Additionally, this position will support caregivers in learning about, accessing, and effectively utilizing community-based programs, benefits, and services to meet the safety, wellbeing and permanency needs of children in their care. Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Mental Health, or Counseling
Some experience in human/social services programs, teaching/applying behavior management techniques, counseling, training the handicapped, applying job training techniques, and/or making human service referrals
A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
State of Virginia Child Welfare and Neglect Central Registry check will be required.
Employees will not be hired by the County to provide or support services to the team or program in which they are current clients
At least 24 months must have passed between receipt of CSB services from Arlington County and employment in an Arlington County CSB program.
The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or commit to utilizing alternate means of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.
If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree is preferred.
Additional directly related experience can substitute for the education requirement.
A Master's degree in a directly related area may substitute for up to one year of experience.
Experience in one or more of the following: Providing direct services to children and families involved with child welfare; and/or Supporting and promoting an inclusive and diverse environment.

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing Kinship Navigator outreach materials such as fliers and brochures
Connecting community kinship families via social media
Participating in community presentations at local and state community events
Offering virtual or in-person support group on a rotating basis
Hosting community events independently or collaboratively to provide information and referral for kinship families
Linking kinship caregivers and youth to a wide array of services and supports to ensure stability and safety within the home
Developing an information and referral system that links caregivers to community resources and outreach activities
Maintaining up to date information on community resources
Providing case management services to kinship caregivers that are assessed as needing more intensive services through the Kinship Caregiver Needs Assessment
Providing training and education to kinship caregivers