Job Opportunities API

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:  Primary responsibilities include b ut are not limited to : • 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. • Ex perience 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. • Comprehensive benefits package including: • 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. 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 . Employee Name Printed:   ____________________________ Employee Signature: _______________________________                              Date:  _______________________