Kinship Navigator Specialist

What We Do

As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children and families for more than 160 years. Our support department teams - Human Resources, Marketing, IT, Philanthropy and Church Relations, Finance, Payroll, Benefits, Facilities, Service Quality, and Site Management- use their expertise to ensure our direct care staff have the tools and resources they need to provide high-quality care to the Iowans we are privileged to serve.

You can join us on our mission to provide hope and healing to Iowa families.

What You'll Do

As the Kinship Navigator Specialist you will provide individualized services that incorporate the voices of children, parents, kin, fictive kin and community partners in order to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families. This program is structured to meet the needs of kinship caregivers while supporting placement stability, reunification, and child safety.

Duties Include:

* Making an assessment of kinship caregiver needs related to identifying the best way to support them and children in their care.

* Development of a Kinship Support Plan with action steps to specified outcomes including:

* Support and identification of affordable childcare

* Access to medical, dental and mental health services

* Ensuring the basic needs are being met including clothing, furniture, food and gas cards

* Associating with support groups to provide an outlet for shared communication and emotional support.

* Connecting kinship caregivers with supplemental resources such as food assistance, childcare, family investment program (FIP), medical insurance and/or legal aid.

* Training and Job responsibilities will reflect the RRTS Prime contract between Four Oaks and Iowa HHS.

What You'll Need

Preferred:
Bachelor's Degree in social work or human services related field.

Required:

Associates Degree in social work or human services related field plus two (2) years of full-time paid experience in child welfare or human services. In addition, the Kinship Navigator Specialist will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Technology

Able to use technology that is necessary to perform job responsibilities; use available technology effectively (voice mail, computer software, data information system).

Strength Based Services

Demonstrates the ability to provide services and advocate for families using the Strength Based service philosophy.

Client Relationships

Be able to demonstrate the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with families through interpersonal effectiveness skills, interpersonal sensitivity, techniques, and rapport building skills. Willingness to work with culturally diverse populations present in the program's client population.

Crisis Management

Demonstrate the ability to effectively deal with client crisis during provision of service through immediate assessment of emergency, planning, decisive action, and timely follow up to the Kinship Supervisor to ensure resolution to crisis situation.

Trauma Services

Demonstrate the ability to distinguish different types of abuse, the impact of abuse and neglect, and how it can affect development and family dynamics.

Team Relationships

Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with others in work defined teams through interpersonal sensitivity, independence and teamwork balance, and through knowledge of community resources and services.

Knowledge and Understanding of Prevention Services

Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide family education and support. Understanding of the value of providing preventative services. Take initiative in identifying and solving problems proactively. Has an understanding of stages, process and milestones of normal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Must be self motivated and have the ability to work a flexible schedule, excellent communication and computer skills required. Spanish speaking candidates are encouraged to apply.

How We'll Support You

On top of joining the best team around, you can also receive:

* A competitive salary

* Comprehensive benefits

* A flexible work schedule

* A 401(k)

* Generous paid time off

* Health, dental, life, and vision insurance

* Career-building opportunities

* Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance and cell phone discounts through Verizon

Who We Are:

LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).