Kinship Navigator Specialist

Job Title: Kinship Navigator 

Travel Requirements: Moderate 

Status: Full-time 

Supervisor: Kinship Supervisor 

Location:  

Direct Reports: 0 

About CMFCAA 

The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental  

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children, and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them.  

Position Summary  

Kinship Navigator provides kinship caregivers assistance with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out-of-home care supports and services for children. Kinship Navigators provide flexible and responsive services to kinship families based on individual needs including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, training, and emergency funds for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.  

Essential Functions/Job Expectations 

• Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources. 

• Knowledge of barriers impacting the receipt of services. 

• Accepts and responds to referrals from the community, kinship parents, and inter-agencies needing help in providing effective care to children. 

• Prioritizes and manage multiple requests simultaneously.  

• Maintains frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.  

• Obtains necessary releases and consents, as needed.  

• Assists caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services.   

• Creates a Navigation Plan, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs.  

• Collects and records all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system. 

• Analyzes data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.  

• Participates in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO. 

• Acts as liaison with key community stakeholders and develops open and clear communication with those partners and attends community meetings as needed.  

• Demonstrates resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.  

• Facilitate communication with referral agencies and court personnel to ensure effective service delivery.  

Core Competencies 

• Time Management 

• Customer focus 

• Teamwork and cooperation 

• Resourcefulness 

• Flexibility 

• Commitment 

• Decision making 

Qualifications/Credentials 

• 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 

• Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend appointment 

• Valid Driver’s License Required 

• Reliable transportation Required 

• Background checks Required 

Salary

• Salary starts at $44,557.80 commensurate with experience and education

Benefits 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Premiums covered 100% for employee, 10% covered for dependents 

• Aflac  

• 25K employer paid Life Insurance plan, as an elective, additional coverage for dependents, spouse/partners   

• 3% Match of a 401k  

• 15 Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday  

• 8 hours Annual Leave a month  

• 8 hours Sick Leave a month  

• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate    

• Usage of Company Vehicle  

• $250 Wellness Benefit  

• Casual Dress 

• Employee Assistance Program