Foster Care Navigator AFPRR

Job Summary

The Foster Care Navigator is responsible for providing direct support and guidance to current and prospective foster parents through in-person contact, telephone contact, and/or email, depending on the needs of the foster parents.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the licensing worker or child placing agency, and the current or prospective foster family when need for clarification.
• Provide quality customer service primarily via phone and email.
• Sensitive to the concerns of potential foster parents.
• Establish rapport quickly and effectively with families.
• Identify resources available to adoptive families statewide.
• Share personal experiences with foster care in a professional manner with the public.
• Maintain contract compliance.
• Participates in required trainings.
• Attend all scheduled team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Personal experience with the child welfare system as a licensed foster, adoptive, relative or kinship caregiver.
• Knowledge of child welfare policies and procedures.
• Involvement in the local foster family community and foster family groups.
• Ability to relate to current and prospective adoptive, foster and kinship families.
• Ability to relate to local DHS and private agency personnel.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate families with whom the Foster Care Navigator works.
• Ability to travel/work statewide as necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide culturally competent services that shows sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Skills Required

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Michigan Driver’s License, appropriate insurance and use of own vehicle.