Kinship Navigator Specialist - Social Worker-Cedar Rapids & Surrounding Areas

Four Oaks Family & Children Services; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedule

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Leave Package

7 Paid Holidays

Career Growth & Advancement

Educational Discounts

Supportive, Team-Oriented Workplace

Job summary

Four Oaks Family & Children Services in Cedar Rapids, IA, invites applications for a Kinship Navigator Specialist — Strengthening Families. This entry-level, full-time role focuses on connecting kinship caregivers with essential services and resources to promote child safety and family stability.

You will partner with families, community professionals, and extended networks to assess needs, build individualized support plans, and help navigate childcare, health care, and financial assistance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in social work or a human services field.
• Two years of full-time paid experience in child welfare required.
• Experience with Foster and Adoptive families is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support kinship caregivers providing safe homes for children within extended families or natural support systems.
• Partner with families and professionals to identify needs and remove barriers.
• Assess caregiver needs and develop Kinship Support Plans with goals and steps.
• Help families access childcare, food, clothing, transportation, and health services.
• Assist families in accessing community programs, financial aid, and legal support.
• Connect caregivers with support groups and community resources to build stability.
• Collaborate with families and partners to promote safe placements and reunification when appropriate.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or human services related field

Master's degree in social work or human services

AA degree in social work or human services

Job description

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids, IA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelor's Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: 1st Shift, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Kinship Navigator Specialist - Strengthening Families. Changing Lives.

More Than a Job. A Chance to Keep Families Connected!

Are you passionate about helping children and families thrive? Do you enjoy connecting people with resources, building relationships, and making a meaningful difference in your community?

What You'll Do

Connect Families. Build Stability. Create Hope.

• Make a Difference: Support kinship caregivers who are providing safe and loving homes for children within their extended families or natural support systems.
• Build Meaningful Relationships: Partner with children, parents, relatives, fictive kin, and community professionals to identify needs, overcome barriers, and create positive outcomes.
• Create a Plan for Success: Assess caregiver needs and develop individualized Kinship Support Plans with achievable goals and action steps.
• Connect Families with Resources: Help caregivers access essential services, including childcare, food assistance, clothing, furniture, transportation assistance, and medical, dental, and mental health care.
• Be a Resource Navigator: Assist families in accessing community programs, financial assistance, medical insurance, and legal support when needed.
• Strengthen Support Systems: Connect caregivers with support groups and community resources that encourage shared experiences, emotional support, and connection.
• Promote Family Stability: Work collaboratively with families and community partners to help maintain stable placements, support reunification when appropriate, and prioritize child safety.
• Empower Caregivers: Use a strengths-based approach to help families recognize their abilities, build confidence, and create lasting stability.

Why Your Work Matters

Every Child Deserves a Safe Place to Call Home.

Kinship caregivers play an essential role in keeping children connected to their families, communities, and support systems.

• Create safe, stable, and supportive home environments for children.
• Keep children connected to relatives and other trusted individuals.
• Reduce unnecessary placement changes and disruptions.
• Identify gaps in services and help families overcome barriers.
• Strengthen caregiver engagement and support.
• Increase successful and sustainable kinship placements.

Why Choose Four Oaks?

Because Supporting Families Starts with Supporting You!

• Flexible Work Schedule - Supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Benefits to support you and your family.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Helping you plan for your future.
• Generous Paid Leave Package - Time to recharge and focus on what matters most.
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities - Build your future with Four Oaks.
• Business Casual Work Environment
• Educational Discounts
• Supportive, Team-Oriented Workplace

At Four Oaks, you're not just connecting families to services. You're helping create stability, strengthen relationships, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and those who care for them.

Qualifications & Program Information: What 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!