Kinship Navigator

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. 

What puts FamilyForward Out Front:

• Brand new facility built intentionally to support the needs of staff and families
• Paid time-off for Agency Wellness Week (December 25th to December 31st annually)
• Programming based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)
• Emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development 

How we wholeheartedly take care of our people:

• 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
• Member and active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
• Gateway Empowerment Institute Non-Profit Partner

What to expect on a given day as a Kinship Navigator: 

• You will accept and respond to referrals from the community, kinship parents, and inter-agencies needing help in providing effective care to children
• You will maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions
• You will obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed
• You will assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services
• You will create a Navigation Plan and needs assesment, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs
• You will collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system 
• You will analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts
• You will participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO
• You will act as liaison with key community stakeholders, develop open and clear communications with those partners, attending community meetings as needed
• You will develop professional knowledge and skills by attending in-service training sessions,  conferences, familiarizing yourself with community publications, and accepting cases from other programs.
• You will complete 20 hours of annual training
• You'll complete other projects or job duties as needed

You would be a good fit for this position if you: 

• Have a bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field; and 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
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills
• Can handle confidential information, administrative details, work independently, prioritize work, and meet deadlines 
• Can develop trust-based relationships with children, caregivers, and co-workers