STEPS Kinship Navigator (Jefferson Co.)

University of Kentucky•Lexington, KY

54d

About The Position

The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky (UK) invites applicants for an opening as a STEPS Kinship Navigator. This position will work in concert with Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC) program staff, Centers & Labs program administrators, Department of Community Based Services (DCBS), and the Kinship Navigator Supervisor to provide consultation and guidance to caregivers caring for children in a kinship (relative or fictive kin) placement. This position will be housed in a DCBS Regional Office and will be located in Jefferson County, KY. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion and commitment to kinship caregiving in Kentucky and a desire to support this population. Some travel within the region for meetings with DCBS and to the Coldstream Training Resource Center may be required. There is a possibility the chosen candidate will assist with covering other regions as needed (travel to these regions for the additional coverage will not be required as this coverage can be done remotely). A map of the service regions is available for review here: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dsr/Documents/sraregionalmap.pdf

Requirements

Public relations
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Working in partnership with various and diverse groups
Excellent interpersonal skills with various and diverse groups
Critical Thinking
Planning and Coordination
Attention to Detail

Responsibilities

Objectively advise kinship caregivers of options regarding care of their relative/fictive kin child through the Kentucky Kinship Service Array, including the requirements, responsibilities, and expectations of each option.
Provide connection to resources and programs appropriate to assist in supporting the kinship family. Complete any referrals needed to assistance programs.
Review and complete all kinship-related forms with caregivers.
Remain a point of contact for kinship caregivers who have questions or need future assistance.
Work cooperatively with Department of Community Based staff to ensure timely services are provided to kinship families.
Connect kinship families with the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center programming for continued support, resource connection, and training.
Complete all necessary state and university required paperwork based on caregivers decision.
Complete data entry into online portals.
Attend related trainings and meetings as required.
Complete any required reporting or program evaluation as needed or indicated.