Kinship Navigator (69722)

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 these families with community resources, facilitate the ability to utilize these resources, and foster relationships between the family and state agencies and other public and private agencies to maintain placement and permanency for the child in a kinship foster family home.

Responsibilities

• Work with kinship foster families to identify needs of the family, including all household members, determine available services and programs, and assist with advocating.
• 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; serve as a liaison between OKDHS and NorthCare services within Oklahoma County.
• Transport clients to various locations in the community and provide services in the home.
• Maintain clinical records in a timely manner as required by agency policy, funding sources, and accreditation authorities.
• Complete all required forms and maintain records consistent with requirements.
• Maintain professional competency through appropriate readings, workshops, and trainings; comply with certification requirements.
• Abide by agency policy on confidentiality 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.
• Return phone calls and text messages promptly; check and respond to email daily.
• Maintain consistent work attendance and notify supervisor of late arrivals or absences.
• Adhere to dress code expectations.
• Complete all NorthCare required courses and training; comply with agency policies and procedures, 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 experience in a related field and/or a Master’s Degree in a closely related field.
• This is a community-based position; services may be provided in clients' homes, community venues, via telehealth, or in the office.
• Must use critical thinking skills to ensure appropriate staffing of situations as they present.
• Must travel to and from appointments; required to have “business purposes” added to auto insurance.
• Must have access to an internet hotspot; eligible for phone and hotspot stipend.
• Considered an essential worker; 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 verbally and in writing with diverse community members, employees, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain productive relationships.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, use stairs, and move freely about facilities and community; casual professional dress required.
• Access to reliable transportation and valid Oklahoma driver’s license; must provide 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; such records will be reviewed by the NorthCare Executive Team.
• Must complete all NorthCare required training within 30 days of employment.
• Must have 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.