STEPS Kinship Navigator (Two Rivers)

University of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky, College of Social Work, invites applications for a STEPS Kinship Navigator. The role collaborates with KKRC and DCBS to guide and support kinship caregivers, linking families with essential resources and services.

The position requires strong communication, coordination, and outreach skills, with occasional regional travel. It will be housed in a DCBS Regional Office within the Two Rivers Service Region.

Qualifications

• Public relations; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Working in partnership with various and diverse groups; Excellent interpersonal skills with various and diverse groups; Critical Thinking; Planning and Coordination; Attention to Detail

Responsibilities

• Advise kinship caregivers on care options within the Kentucky Kinship Service Array and explain requirements, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Connect families to appropriate resources and programs; complete referrals as needed.
• Review and complete kinship-related forms with caregivers.
• Serve as a point of contact for ongoing questions and support for kinship caregivers.
• Collaborate with DCBS staff to ensure timely services for kinship families.
• Link kinship families to KKRC programs for continued support, resource connection, and training.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Critical thinking

Planning & coordination

Attention to detail

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Sitting for extended periods of time; Motions typical of desk work (typing/bending/twisting/etc.); lifting/pushing/pulling objects up to 20lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm; some occasional weekends/evenings

Job Summary

The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky (UK) invites applicants for an opening as a STEPS Kinship Navigator. This position will work in concert with Kentucky Kinship Resource Center ( KKRC ) program staff, Centers & Labs program administrators, Department of Community Based Services ( DCBS ), and the Kinship Navigator Supervisor to provide consultation and guidance to caregivers caring for children in a kinship (relative or fictive kin) placement. This position will be housed in a DCBS Regional Office and will be located in the Two Rivers Service Region.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion and commitment to kinship caregiving in Kentucky and a desire to support this population. Some travel within the region for meetings with DCBS and to the Coldstream Training Resource Center may be required.

Essential Core Functions

• Objectively advise kinship caregivers of options regarding care of their relative/fictive kin child through the Kentucky Kinship Service Array, including the requirements, responsibilities, and expectations of each option.
• Provide connection to resources and programs appropriate to assist in supporting the kinship family. Complete any referrals needed to assistance programs.
• Review and complete all kinship-related forms with caregivers.
• Remain a point of contact for kinship caregivers who have questions or need future assistance.
• Work cooperatively with Department of Community Based staff to ensure timely services are provided to kinship families.
• Connect kinship families with the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center programming for continued support, resource connection, and training.

Administrative Duties

• Complete all necessary state and university required paperwork based on caregivers decision.
• Attend related trainings and meetings as required.
• Complete any required reporting or program evaluation as needed or indicated.

There is a possibility the chosen candidate will assist with covering other regions as needed (travel to these regions for the additional coverage will not be required as this coverage can be done remotely). A map of the service regions is available for review here:

Public relations; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Working in partnership with various and diverse groups; Excellent interpersonal skills with various and diverse groups; Critical Thinking; Planning and Coordination; Attention to Detail

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/16/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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