Kinship Navigator Program Coordinator GULFPORT AREA

Catholic Charities Inc.; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities Inc. in Gulfport, MS, seeks a Program Coordinator to oversee the Kinship Navigator Program, directing staff and ensuring quality services. The role partners with MDCPS, MDMH, and other agencies to enhance outcomes for kinship families.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in social work or related field with extensive experience in child and family services, including wraparound. Expect full-time duties across program operations and compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or related field with 5 years' experience working with children and families.
• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience working with children and families; wraparound experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees progress, successes, and barriers for Kinship program; directs program staff.
• Provides supervision for Kinship Navigator Program operations and staff development.
• Collaborates with state and local agencies (MDCPS, MDMH, MSDOM) and regulatory bodies.
• Establishes program priorities aligned with agency mission.
• Provides training and technical assistance to internal and external service providers.
• Advises staff on assessing family background to expand diligent search options.
• Engages caregivers and staff to transition kinship caregivers along the Kinship Continuum.
• Collects data and completes reports to support program evaluation.
• Acts as a liaison with outside entities for Kinship Navigator program.

Skills

Education & training knowledge

Program management

Supervision & leadership

Policy interpretation

Collaboration/partnerships

Data collection & reporting

Communication skills

Time management

Travel availability

Knowledge of child welfare

Education

Master's degree in social work or related field

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

STATUS:

Full – Time

LOCATION:

Gulfport, MS

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES:

The Program Coordinator oversees the progress, successes, and barriers/opportunities for improvement of the Kinship program and Navigator’s work. Provides direction and supervision for the ongoing operation of the Kinship Navigator Program and staff. Directs professional staff in development of skills, delivery of quality services and documentation of efforts. This position will also collaborate with state and local personnel including MDCPS, MDMH, MSDOM, and other regulatory agencies as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Monitors compliance, evaluated effectiveness, and recommends and implementsimprovements to existing program operational practices.
• Establishes program priorities and goals consistent with the overall mission of theagency.
• Provides technical assistance and training to internal and external service providers,developing policy interpretation, and/or evaluating quality and management.
• Advises and supports staff regarding assessing family background information to expanddiligent search options.
• Provides caregivers and staff with pertinent information to timely andsuccessfully transition caregivers along the Kinship Continuum.
• Collects necessary data and completes required reports to support programevaluation.
• Serves as a point of contact for the Kinship Navigator program with alloutside entities.
• Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in a related field from an approved, accredited college or university(preferably in social work, human services, or related field) and 5 years' experienceworking with children and families or
• Bachelor's-level degree (preferably in social work, human services, or related field) and8 years of experience in working with children and families.
• Preference may be given to candidates who have at a minimum 5 years of experiencein wraparound.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide education and advocacy on behalf of kinship families; and strongempathy and understanding of the unique role, needs and challenges of kinshipcaregivers
• Ability to promote placement stability and positive permanency outcomes
• Ability to respond quickly to time sensitive requests
• Ability to engage with high level personnel and build partnerships
• Knowledgeable of Child Protective Services and Foster Care best practices
• Ability to travel within assign district
• Knowledgeable of changing climate in the human service field
• Excellent oral, written, research, presentation, analytical, organizational, interpersonal,and communication skills