Kinship Navigator Specialist - Social Worker

Four Oaks Enterprise; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k plan

Growth opportunities

Paid leave

Paid holidays

Flexible schedule

Casual environment

Educational discounts

Job summary

Four Oaks Enterprise in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Kinship Navigator Specialist (Entry Level) to provide individualized services that honor the voices of children, parents, kin and community partners. You will assess caregiver needs and develop a Kinship Support Plan with concrete steps to outcomes.

The role emphasizes placement stability, reunification and child safety, including connecting families with services and resources such as childcare, medical and legal aid as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in social work or related field with relevant experience.
• Master's in Human Services is acceptable as an alternative pathway.
• Experience in child welfare or foster/adoptive settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess kinship caregiver needs and identify best support approaches.
• Develop Kinship Support Plan with steps toward outcomes (childcare, health, basic needs).
• Engage with support groups for peer connection and emotional support.
• Connect caregivers with resources (food aid, child care, FIP, medical coverage, legal aid).

Skills

Caregiver assessment

Plan development

Resource linking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in social work or related

Master's Degree in Human Services

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids, IA 52404Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Bachelor's DegreeJob Shift: 1st ShiftJob Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesWhat you will do?

As the Kinship Navigator Specialist (serving Scott county area) you will provide individualized services that incorporate the voices of children, parents, kin, fictive kin and community partners in order to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families. This program is structured to meet the needs of kinship caregivers while supporting placement stability, reunification and child safety. Specific responsibilities include:

• Making an assessment of kinship caregiver needs related to identifying the best way to support them and children in their care.
• Development of a Kinship Support Plan with action steps to specified outcomes including:
  • Support and identification of affordable childcare
  • Access to medical, dental and mental health services
  • Ensuring the basic needs are being met including clothing, furniture, food and gas cards
• Associating with support groups to provide an outlet for shared communication and emotional support.
• Connecting kinship caregivers with supplemental resources such s food assistance, child care, family investment program (FIP0, medical insurance and/or legal aid.

What are the Goals?

• Create a safe, stable and supportive home environment for children
• Keep children within their natural supports
• Understand gaps and delays with service delivery to kinship caregivers
• Maintain and engage kinship caregivers using a strength-based approach
• Increase kinship placements
• Decrease lateral movements

Why Work here?

Four Oaks understands the importance of supporting and treating one another as if they were our own family members. We believe in maintaining a healthy work/life balance while providing career paths for everyone. Our organization flourishes in an environment of equal opportunity and fair treatment for all. The effects of diversity and inclusion have created an atmosphere of positivity which connects us to the customers we serve. As a valued team member, you are eligible for:

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401k Retirement plan
• Growth & Advancement opportunities
• Excellent paid leave time package
• 7 Paid holidays
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Business casual work environment
• Educational discounts

Qualifications & Program Information

Qualifications & Program InformationWhat you need:

To qualify you must possess a Bachelor's Degree, Master's or AA degree in social work or a human services related field plus two (2) years of full time paid experience in child welfare or a Master's Degree in Human Services.

Prior experience in working with Foster and Adoptive families is a plus!