Kinship Navigator

Description

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.

What puts FamilyForward Out Front:

• •Brand new facility built intentionally to support the needs of staff and families
• •Paid time-off for Agency Wellness Week (December 25th to December 31st annually)
• •Programming based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)
• •Emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development

How we wholeheartedly take care of our people:

• •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
• •Member and active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
• •Gateway Empowerment Institute Non-Profit Partner

What to expect on a given day as a Kinship Navigator:

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

You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• •Have a bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field; and two or more years of experience in child welfare, family advocacy, case management, or closely related area; Candidates having lived experience in kinship care or providing kinship care is preferred
• •Possess a valid driver’s license and can operate a motor vehicle
• •Have 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