YCC Family Navigator

Fosteradopt; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly-competitive health plan

Life insurance at no cost

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

FosterAdopt is seeking a Family Navigator to provide support for caregivers navigating the out-of-home care system. This full-time role involves working with youth aged 13-18 at the YouthConnect Center in Springfield, Missouri. Responsibilities include accepting referrals, maintaining communication, and creating actionable plans for families.

A Bachelor's in social work or related field is required, with a preference for a Master’s degree. The role demands exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, alongside a commitment to advocacy for families.

Qualifications

• Previous child welfare experience required; two years preferred.
• Experience working with marginalized communities.
• Flexible in work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Accept referrals from the community needing help.
• Respond to referrals within one business day.
• Maintain frequent communication with direct supervisor.
• Create Action Plans with Guardians to meet needs.
• Collect and record data on problems and solutions.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Advocacy

Resourcefulness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

Family Navigator

Job Category: YouthConnect Center

Job Status: Full-time

Reports to: YouthConnect Center Director

About FosterAdopt Connect

FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be a part of a progressive, diverse and inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time.

Job Summary

The YouthConnect (YCC) is a drop-in center for school-aged youth 13-18 years old. The YCC aims to eliminate any obstacles that youth face accessing different community resources by partnering with other service providers in the community and offering a safe space for them to meet with youths and their families. The YCC aims to provide quality and meaningful opportunities for youth that will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment while honoring their families and caregivers while providing for their basic needs (groceries, laundry, clothing, meals, hygiene, etc.). The Family Navigator provides caregivers with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out‑of‑home care supports and services for youth. Family Navigators provide flexible and responsive services to families based on individual needs including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, training, and emergency funds for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability.

Responsibilities

• Accept referrals from the community via phone, email communication, and walk‑ins of kinship parents needing help to provide effective care to children.
• Accept inter‑department referrals of FAC.
• Respond to referrals within one (1) business day.
• Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.
• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed.
• Assist Guardians in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services by providing information, referrals, and advocacy.
• Create Action Plan(s), in partnership, with the Guardian to meet identified needs.
• Ensure Guardians have access to benefits for which they are eligible, including the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and help navigate the complexities of HUD funding.
• Assist Guardians in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.
• Improve caregiver and family resources (ie., basic needs items, money to pay for bills, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships, etc.).
• Serve as a mediator between Guardian(s) and youth for the purpose of reunifying in the same family residence to avoid homelessness.
• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in FAC client database system.
• Complete and maintain up‑to‑date documentation of families/clients in a timely manner. Documentation should be completed within two (2) days of family contact.
• Liaison with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners. Attend community meetings as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, and assist other program staff as needed.
• Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.
• When possible, participate in task forces, in‑services, trainings, and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about FAC's programs and to promote partnerships and sponsorships whenever possible.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Director/COO.
• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e., attend meetings as assigned, ensure availability of residents for scheduled on and off campus appointments, etc.) so the agency’s efforts to assist clients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness.
• Travel required to attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in social work (preferred) or in related human services field.
• Previous child welfare experience required; two (2) years preferred.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Outstanding organizational and planning skills.
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for relative and kinship families, and personal experience or connection is preferred.
• Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi‑disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Can quickly establish rapport and build trust.
• Flexible and a self‑starter; multi‑task while also being highly detail‑oriented while meeting all deadlines.
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.
• Flexibility and adaptability, shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people and organizations.
• Flexible in work hours including some evenings and weekend appointments.
• Core understanding of program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Highly‑competitive health plan.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.
• Life insurance and long‑term disability provided at no cost to employee.
• Voluntary life and short‑term disability options available.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.