Kinship Navigator Specialist - Social Worker-Dubuque Area

Four Oaks Family & Children Services; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 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

Job summary

Four Oaks Family & Children Services seeks a Kinship Navigator Specialist to connect kinship families with essential services and support. You will build relationships with relatives, caregivers, and professionals to identify needs and create practical plans that promote stable placements for children.

You will assess caregiver needs, develop tailored Kinship Support Plans, and help families access childcare, food assistance, housing, medical, and legal resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in social work or related field plus 2 years of paid child welfare experience.
• Foster/adoptive family experience is a plus.
• Strong relationship-building and resource coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Connect kinship families with community resources and services.
• Develop Kinship Support Plans with goals and steps.
• Build stable, supportive home environments for children.
• Collaborate with relatives, fictive kin, and professionals to identify needs.
• Assist families in navigating services, insurance, childcare, and transportation.
• Support reunification efforts and safety planning where appropriate.

Skills

Relationship building

Caregiver support

Resource navigation

Community partnerships

Education

Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field

Master's Degree in Human Services

AA degree in social work or related field

Job description

Job Details

Level: Entry, Job Location: Dubuque Campus - Dubuque, IA 52001, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelor's Degree, 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?

About Four Oaks

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 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.

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.

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 Holidays
• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities – Build your future with Four Oaks.
• Business Casual Work Environment
• Educational Discounts
• Supportive, Team-Oriented Workplace

Ready to Help Families Build Brighter Futures?

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 aBachelor'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 oraMaster's Degree in Human Services. Prior experience in working with Foster and Adoptive families is a plus!