Kinship Navigator

KINSHIP NAVIGATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

BASIC INFORMATION     

Job Title: Kinship Navigator 

Travel Requirements: Moderate  

Status: Full Time, Exempt 

Supervisor: Kinship Supervisor 

Location: Columbia

Direct Reports:  N/A

ABOUT CMFCAA

The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental agencies to develop healthy & self-sufficient individuals & families. 

Founded in 2007 by a former foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents, the CMFCAA is a community service organization that provides for the needs of foster, adoptive, kinship, and guardianship youth and families. What began as a small support group has grown into a multifaceted organization that provides direct support, education, services and advocacy to foster and adoptive families in a 24-county central Missouri region. 

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kinship Navigator provides kinship caregivers assistance with understanding, navigating, and accessing the system of out-of-home care supports and services for children. Kinship Navigators provide flexible and responsive services to kinship 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 for the abused and neglected children in their care. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE)

• Accepts and responds to referrals from the community, kinship parents, and inter-agencies needing help in providing effective care to children
• Prioritizes and manage multiple requests simultaneously 
• Maintains frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions 

• Obtains necessary releases and consents, as needed 
• Assists caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services  
• Creates a Navigation Plan, in partnership, with the caregiver to meet identified needs 
• Collects and records all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system (SAM) 
• Analyzes data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts 
• Participates in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Supervisor and CPO 
• Acts as liaison with key community stakeholders and develops open and clear communication with those partners and attends community meetings as needed 
• Demonstrates resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSAs)

Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources

Knowledge of barriers impacting the receipt of services

Skill in serving as an advocate for families

Ability to maintain confidentiality and properly document case files

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend appointments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human services field; and two or more years of experience in child welfare, family advocacy, case management, or closely related area.

(Additional qualifying education or experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the minimum qualifications)

(Candidates having lived experience in kinship care or providing kinship care is preferred)

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

• Health insurance benefit 90/10 (employee only) 
• Dental and Vision Premiums Covered 100%  
• Aflac (elective) 
• 25K employer paid Life Insurance plan, as an elective, additional coverage for dependents, spouse/partners  
• 3% Match of a Simple IRA (after qualifying time period)  
• 14 Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday 
• 8 hours Annual Leave a month (available after successful probationary period) 
• 8 hours Sick Leave a month (available to use, as accrued)  
• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate   
• Usage of Company Vehicle (provided complete and clear driving background has been submitted)

CMFCAA 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.