YCC Family Navigator

Family Navigator

Job Category:
Youth Connect Center

Job Status:
Full-time

Reports to:

Youth Connect Center Director

Foster Adopt 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.

The Youth Connect (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.

• 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 sponsor ships 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…