Location: Jefferson City, MO
Job Status: Full-time
Reports to: Kinship Navigator Supervisor
Job Summary: The Kinship Navigator Specialist provides kinship caregivers assistance with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out-of-home care supports and services for children. Kinship Navigator Specialists provide flexible and responsive services to kinship families based on individual needs including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, training, and emergency funds for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.
Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Accept referrals from the community via phone, email communication, and walk-ins of kinship parents needing help to provide effective care to children.
• Accept inter-departmental referrals of CMFCAA.
• Respond to referrals within two (2) business days.
• Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.
• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed.
• Provide caregivers with information, referrals, and advocacy services.
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services.
• Create a Navigation Plan, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs.
• Ensure kinship families have access to benefits for which they are eligible.
• Assist caregivers in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.
• Improve caregivers’ social support systems (i.e. professional agencies, support groups, parent groups, professional helpers, etc.).
• Improve family resources (i.e. basic needs items, money to pay for bills, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships, etc.).
• Make referrals or otherwise implement strategy in partnership with families.
• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system (SAM).
• Complete and maintain up-to-date documentation of families/clients in a timely manner. Documentation should be completed within seven (7) days of family contact.
• Liaison with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners. Attend community meetings as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, and assist other program staff as needed.
• Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.
• When possible, participate in task forces, in-services, trainings, and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about CMFCAA’s programs and to promote partnerships and sponsorships whenever possible.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO.
• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e. attend meetings as assigned, ensure availability of residents for scheduled on and off campus appointments, etc.) so the agency’s efforts to assist clients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred) in social work or in related human services field.
• Previous child welfare experience required; two (2) years preferred.
• Lived experience as a foster child or foster parent (preferred)
• Demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Outstanding organizational, time management, and planning skills.
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for relative and kinship families, and personal experience or connection is preferred.
• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.
• Ability to drive to meetings within surrounding counties.
• Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Compensation is negotiable based on experience and education.
• Full-time, exempt position.
• We pay 80% of health insurance costs. We also provide access to accident, short and long-term disability, and life coverage options for purchase.
