Position Function:

Kinship Navigators support and serve kinship families utilizing a strength-based approach to provide ongoing support and case management services. Kinship Navigators participate in the development of a Navigation Plan setting goals that guide the course of services. Kinship Navigators make appropriate referrals to ancillary services and community resources, and track and monitor all services in the database. Navigators make referrals to ACH programs and other community agencies based on assessment of family needs with an emphasis on meeting the needs of Kinship Caregivers and the children/youth they care for. Navigators collect and distribute client information to other ACH programs as needed for the purpose of service coordination. Navigators participate in community outreach and collaboration to increase awareness of KNP services. Kinship Navigators offers information on community resources to ACH program staff available to Kinship Caregivers, youth, and families. The job requires sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Requirements:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, or related Human Services field from an accredited college or university. Kinship caregiver experience may be substituted for each year of college to secure a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: One year experience working with at-risk youth and families. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma-informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents, and families. Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Possesses a working knowledge of basic computer skills. Knowledge of CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF and other public services preferred. Bilingual preferred. Kinship caregiver experience preferred.

Functional: Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing Kinship Caregivers with resource navigation and case management services. Provides

Kinship Caregivers and those seeking help at ACH with timely and responsive customer service. Acts as a resource specialist for ACH staff seeking services for clients as needed. Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. Participates in kinship engagement events. Provides valuable feedback to the Kinship Navigator Program on the ongoing needs for quality improvement.

Working Conditions:

Exposure to children with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression. Potential exposure to illness and blood. Exposure to families in crisis. A personal, dependable vehicle is required for travel.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentiality and follow ACH policies and procedures and contractual and regulatory requirements related to personnel and client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Service Delivery

• Multi-task and focus on the needs of the caller or walk-in client in an environment that includes distractions.
• Maintain professionalism while using various mediums, including on the telephone, in-person and virtually.
• Empathize and work with clients through a strengths-based approach.
• Work independently and collaboratively with agency staff.
• Address referrals in a timely manner.
• Maintain working knowledge of ACH programs and community referral sources for youth and families seeking services.
• Makes warm handoff referrals to ACH programs and other community organizations using the Kinship Resource Guide
• For clients assigned to in-home/ on-location services, visit the home at least once monthly or more often in times of crisis or as necessary.
• Visit schools, attend court proceedings, and attend psychiatrist visits as needed to maintain open communication and be engaged in cases.
• Assist program participants in navigating the social services network connecting them to needed services.
• Collaborate with caregivers to help each family reach identified goals.
• Close services with clients via the Exit interview.

Community Relations:

• Represent ACH in a professional and positive manner in all aspects of the position.
• Participate in community collaboration and outreach activities.
• Deliver presentations in the community about ACH services as needed.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain necessary documentation and files to fulfill agency, program, contractual and accreditation requirements.
• Utilize database to document and track all referrals and services, completing all required paperwork within the required timeframe.
• Complete necessary documentation to facilitate referrals to outside providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Register new participants with initial screening and intake interview.
• Coordinate a personalized Navigation Plan for families.
• Complete Action Plans to document ongoing goals and action steps to complete the program.
• Complete program surveys at designated times.

Other:

• Attend individual and team supervisory meetings.
• Attend team staffing meetings.
• Update KNP Resource guide when needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, or related Human Services field from an accredited college or university. Kinship caregiver experience may be substituted for each year of college to secure a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: One year experience working with at-risk youth and families. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma-informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents, and families. Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Possesses a working knowledge of basic computer skills. Knowledge of CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF and other public services preferred. Bilingual preferred. Kinship caregiver experience preferred.