Kinship Specialist

Position: Kinship Specialist Comparable DFPS Position: Kinship Specialist Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt Reports to: Kinship Supervisor Company: Texans Together Location: Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized) Position Description: The Kinship Specialist provides support, engagement, assessment, and resource coordination services to relatives and fictive kin caring for children involved in the child welfare system. Utilizing a strengths-based approach, the Kinship Specialist helps caregivers identify their strengths, build supportive networks, overcome barriers, and create stable, nurturing environments that promote child safety, permanency, well-being, and lifelong family connections. The Kinship Specialist collaborates with children, caregivers, families, other TTG staff, providers, schools, and community partners to preserve family relationships, strengthen placement stability, and support positive outcomes for children and youth. This position recognizes the critical role relatives and fictive kin play in helping children maintain their identity, culture, sense of belonging, and hope for the future. Primary Responsibilities: Identifies, engages, and supports relatives and fictive kin as potential placement and permanency resources for children and youthBuilds trusting relationships with kinship caregivers through respectful, family-centered, and strengths-based engagementAssesses caregiver strengths, needs, barriers, and available support to promote placement stability and positive outcomes for children and youthProvides information regarding financial assistance, benefits, community resources, and available support services for kinship caregiversAssists caregivers in developing plans that strengthen stability, safety, permanency, and family well-beingCollaborates with children, families, caregivers, caseworkers, providers, schools, and community organizations to coordinate services and address identified needsSupports kinship caregivers in navigating child welfare processes, accessing resources, and understanding available servicesEncourages caregiver participation in case planning, permanency planning, family group conferences, and other decision-making activities that impact children and youthPromotes and supports family connections, sibling relationships, cultural identity, and lifelong supportive relationships whenever appropriateConnects caregivers with community-based supports, educational resources, training opportunities, support groups, and services that strengthen caregiver capacityAssists in identifying and addressing barriers impacting placement stability, caregiver well-being, and child permanency outcomesParticipates in staffing, permanency planning meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, and other collaborative activities as neededMaintains accurate and timely documentation of contacts, assessments, referrals, services, and outcomesMonitors referrals and follows up on service recommendations to ensure caregivers receive needed supportMaintains confidentiality and safeguards sensitive client information in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant experience considered in lieu of education requirementMinimum two (2) years’ experience in child welfare, foster care, kinship care, family preservation, family support services, case management, or a related human services field Preferred Qualifications: Experience working directly with children, families, caregivers, and community resourcesExperience supporting relatives or kinship caregivers Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of kinship care practices, child welfare principles, and permanency planningKnowledge of family systems, child development, trauma, attachment, and resilienceKnowledge of community resources, benefits, and support services available to kinship caregivers and familiesKnowledge of family-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and hope-centered practicesWillingness to learn the Science of Hope and its application to family engagement and caregiver supportSkill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with caregivers, children, families, providers, and community partners; skill in assessment, interviewing, problem-solving, and resource coordinationSkill in verbal and written communicationAbility to engage families and caregivers in identifying goals, strengths, barriers, and pathways to successAbility to coordinate services and advocate for resources that promote child and family well-beingAbility to gather, organize, and analyze information to support service planning and decision-makingAbility to maintain timely, accurate, and thorough documentationAbility to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environmentAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgmentProficiency with Microsoft Office, IMPACT, and electronic case management systems Work Conditions: Environment: Office-basedConditions: Frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situationsWork Schedule: Mon – Fri during standard business hoursTravel: Frequent - Regular travel across Harris County and the 12- county service region. Reliable transportation required DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace. DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation. Powered by JazzHR Jzvrd7TBYx