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

Four Oaks Family And Childrens Services; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid leave

Job summary

Four Oaks Family And Childrens Services is seeking a Kinship Navigator Specialist to help children remain connected with relatives and trusted adults who care for them. You will assess caregiver needs, develop Kinship Support Plans, and connect families with essential services and resources, including healthcare, childcare, food, clothing, and transportation support.

You will collaborate with community partners to strengthen support systems, promote placement stability, and work toward safe

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work or human services, plus two years full-time paid child welfare experience.
• Master's degree in Human Services is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assess caregiver needs and develop Kinship Support Plans with achievable goals and action steps.
• Help caregivers access childcare, food assistance, clothing, transportation, and medical care.
• Link families to community programs, financial assistance, insurance, and legal support.
• Strengthen caregiver engagement and support and promote family stability.

Skills

Relationship building

Resource navigation

Communication skills

Plan development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's or AA in Social Work or Human Services

Job description

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?Four Oaks is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Kinship Navigator Specialist to join our team!As a Kinship Navigator Specialist, you'll play an important role in helping children remain connected to the people who know and love them. You'll work alongside relatives, kinship caregivers, and other trusted individuals who step up to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children in need.At Four Oaks, we believe that strong families build stronger communities, and sometimes all it takes is the right support to make a lasting difference.What You'll DoConnect 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 MattersEvery 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.As a Kinship Navigator Specialist, you'll help: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.Your work helps families stay connected and gives children the stability they deserve.Why Choose Four Oaks?Because Supporting Families Starts with Supporting You!At Four Oaks, we understand that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. We value teamwork, flexibility, professional growth, and creating a workplace where employees feel appreciated and empowered to succeed.Here's what we offer: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 HolidaysCareer Growth & Advancement Opportunities – Build your future with Four Oaks.Business Casual Work EnvironmentEducational DiscountsSupportive, Team-Oriented WorkplaceReady to Help Families Build Brighter Futures?If you're compassionate, resourceful, and passionate about helping children and families succeed, we want to hear from you!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.Apply Today and Become a Four Oaks Difference Maker!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!