Kinship Navigator (69721)

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Schedule

• Flexible 40-hour week
• Includes evenings and weekend hours
• Schedule may vary

Location

Clinton, Oklahoma County

About the Role

Advocate and provide support for kinship foster families referred to NorthCare by Oklahoma Human Services (OHS). Link families with community resources, facilitate resource utilization, and foster relationships between the family and state agencies, as well as other public and private agencies, to maintain placement and permanency for the child in a kinship foster family home.

This position is supervised by the Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Work with kinship foster families to identify needs of all household members, determine available services and programs, and assist with advocacy.
• Facilitate and maintain positive working relationships with OKDHS personnel, including management and leadership.
• Assist kinship foster families in problem-solving to promote stability.
• Promote a warm and engaging organizational culture aligned with NorthCare values, trauma-informed care, and health and wellness.
• Collect data for evaluation and research of program effectiveness.
• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise about community resources and serve as a liaison between OKDHS and NorthCare services within Oklahoma County.
• Transport clients to various community locations and provide in-home services.
• Maintain clinical records in a timely manner, adhering to agency policy, funding sources, and accreditation requirements.
• Complete all required forms and maintain documentation consistent with requirements.
• Maintain professional competency through readings, workshops, and trainings; comply with certification requirements.
• Abide by agency confidentiality policies and respect the integrity of persons receiving services.
• Meet with kinship foster families at a frequency determined by case needs and contractual requirements, including home visits, telehealth, and/or phone calls.
• Respond promptly to phone calls, texts, and emails.
• Maintain consistent work attendance and communicate with supervisor regarding late arrivals or absences.
• Adhere to dress code expectations.
• Complete all NorthCare-required courses and training; comply with agency policies, including confidentiality, documentation deadlines, and productivity expectations.
• Perform any reasonable work requested that falls within qualifications but is not specifically described.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field; preferably a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a related field, and/or a Master’s Degree in a closely related field.
• Community-based services: may include providing services in clients' homes, community venues, via telehealth, or in the office.
• Limited onsite supervision; must use critical thinking skills to ensure appropriate staffing of situations.
• Must travel to and from appointments; required to have "business purposes" added to auto insurance.
• Access to an internet hotspot for field technology; eligible for phone and hotspot stipend.
• Considered essential workers; may be expected to work holidays, weekends, or during closures if required.
• High degree of flexibility and efficiency required.
• Proficiency in MS 365 applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook), processing software, and intermediate general computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse community members, employees, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain productive relationships.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, use stairs, and move freely in facilities and the community.
• Casual professional dress adhering to dress code requirements.
• Access to reliable transportation; in-state travel required.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and verification of current automobile liability insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage.
• Due to contract nature, must report any current or prior confirmed record of child abuse as an adult for review by the NorthCare Executive Team.
• Complete all NorthCare-required training within 30 days of employment.
• TB test within 12 months prior to employment or obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Adhere to all applicable laws, professional standards, and ethical codes.