Kinship Navigator

The Kinship Navigator is responsible for working with Kinship Caregivers (non-licensed relatives, non-licensed non-relatives, and licensed Level 1) to support placement stability and providing outreach and consultation to kinship families and linking to supports and some prevention via Family Support Services to prevent placement disruption. This position reports to the Kinship Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs assessments for needed services for kinship caregivers and children to stabilize placement and prevent disruption.
• Performs early linking with Level 1 licensing and other services as identified to support placement stability through contacts early in placement and at least quarterly throughout the duration of the placement. 
• Coordinates with Case Management Agency Staff to ensure that all safety concerns and appropriate services are offered in light current needs and historical strengths and needs of the children and family.
• Provides assistance to kinship caregivers in making Social Security representative payee applications for eligible children.
• Provides assistance to with Parent Needing Assistance intakes involving children in permanent guardianship status.
• Identifies and understands what resources are available and builds and maintains effective working relationships with a network of systems.
• Finds creative and effective ways to advocate for clients.
• Offers support to co-workers as needed.
• Participates on inter-and intra-agency work groups and activities.
• Provides consultation and assistance to kinship care families in need of information and referral services by receiving requests for services and directing to appropriate providers in the community or referring to PSF’s network of providers.
• Assists caregivers with access to benefits via ACCESS, WIC, as well as other concrete needs through the resource centers and community agencies. 
• Links with support groups such as FAPA, Foster Florida, and Unity Family Ministries.
• Assists caregivers in problem-solving various barriers, including document access and applications for Social Security Income and Agencies for Person with Disabilities. 
• Reviews and updates caregiver contact information in FSFN, including phone numbers and email addresses.
• Attends permanency staffings and provides feedback on requirements and eligibility for the Guardianship Assistance Program.
• Assists caregivers in completing initial paperwork and redetermination paperwork to be eligible for the Guardianship Assistance Program.
• Conducts kinship searches to locate possible relative and non-relative placements for children in care by referral and identifying child in licensed care including documenting all efforts.
• Assists case management in completing ICPC home study packets and gathering documentation needed for the packet.
• Identifies relative and non-relative placements out of PSF catchment area, discusses level 1 licensing benefits and requirements with caregivers, and assist case management in completing the OCS request.
• Displays understanding of, and sensitivity to, service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or closely related field or equivalent; and three (3) years of relevant experience in the field of child protection preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Special Qualifications:

Motivational Interviewing Trained preferred.

Child Protection Professional Certification preferred.

Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver’s license to operate the motor vehicle operated.  Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.