Kinship Navigator

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Accept and respond to referrals from the community, kinship parents, and inter-agencies needing help in providing effective care to children
• Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns, or questions
• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services
• Create a Navigation Plan and needs assessment, in partnership with the caregiver, to meet identified needs
• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system
• Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts
• Participate in ongoing meetings, professional memberships, and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO
• Act as liaison with key community stakeholders, develop open and clear communications with those partners, and attend community meetings as needed
• Develop professional knowledge and skills by attending in-service training sessions, conferences, and familiarizing yourself with community publications
• Complete 20 hours of annual training
• Complete other projects or job duties as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field
• 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
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information, administrative details, work independently, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
• Ability to develop trust-based relationships with children, caregivers, and co-workers

Benefits

• 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

FamilyForward offers a brand new facility built intentionally to support the needs of staff and families, programming based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), and an emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development. FamilyForward is a member and active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, and a Gateway Empowerment Institute Non-Profit Partner.