Foster Care Navigator Native American Outreach Worker

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides direct support and guidance to current and prospective foster families through in-person contact, telephone contact, and/or email.
• Aids prospective families in navigating the licensing process.
• Serves as a liaison between the licensing worker/child placing agency/tribe and the current or prospective foster family when needed.
• Implements recruitment strategies and increases awareness of the need for foster families in the Native American community.
• Provides educational resources, training, and consultation to DHS/private agencies regarding working with the Native American community.
• Collaborates with tribes to create partnerships with DHS/private agencies (such as representation on committees, tribal meetings, etc.).
• Supports and mentors Native American families interested in becoming licensed foster parents and retains those who are currently licensed.
• Assists and navigates non-Native families with Native children in the home.
• Provides assistance and navigation for all interested families as assigned.
• Provides foster and adoptive parent pre-service training.

Job Qualifications

• Personal experience with the child welfare system as a foster, adoptive, relative, or kinship caregiver.
• Knowledge of child welfare policies and procedures.
• Involvement and familiarity with tribal communities, local foster family community, and foster family groups.
• Computer knowledge and skills.
• Teamwork and customer service abilities.
• Communication skills, including verbal and written.
• Sensitivity to the concerns of potential Native American foster parents.
• Rapport-building and sharing personal experiences with foster care in a professional manner.
• Maintaining contract compliance.
• Cultural competence.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate families.
• Statewide travel required.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Certified Central Registry clearance.
• Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and National and State Sex Offender Registry check.