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FAMILY NAVIGATOR

Job Category:YouthConnectCenter

Job Status:Full-time

Reports to:YouthConnectCenter Director

AboutFosterAdoptConnect:

FosterAdoptConnect (FAC) works with children,youthand families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we area 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,diverseand inclusiveorganization 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:TheYouthConnect(YCC) is a drop-in center for school-aged youth 13-18 years old. The YCC aims toeliminateany obstacles that youthfaceaccessing 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 ofout-ofhomecaresupportsand 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 but 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 supervisorregardingservices delivered, concerns or questions.

• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed.

• Assist Guardians inidentifyingand removing barriers to receiving services by providing information, referrals, and advocacy.

• Create Action Plan(s), inpartnership,with the Guardian to meet identified needs.

• Ensure Guardians have access to benefits for which they are eligible, includingthe TemporaryAssistance to Needy Families (TANF) and help navigate the complexities of HUD funding.

• Assist Guardians inutilizingexisting 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 onpresenting problems and resources/supports given inFACclient database system.

• Complete andmaintainup-to-date documentation of families/clientsin 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 staffmeetings, andassistother program staff as needed.

• Analyze data toidentifytrends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.

• When possible,participatein 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 andtrainingsas required by the Program Director/COO.

• Participateas an active team member with all agency departments (i.e.,attendmeetings as assigned,ensureavailability 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.

• Travelrequired to attendmeetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications& Preferred Skills

• Bachelor'sDegree(Master's Degreepreferred) in social work(preferred) or in related human services field.

• Previouschild welfare experiencerequired;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 anddemonstratedability to write clearly and persuasively.

• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Can quicklyestablishrapport and build trust.

• Flexible anda self-starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.

• Experience 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,peopleand organizations.

• Flexible in workhoursincludingsome eveningsand weekend appointments.

• Core understanding of program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Compensation&Benefits

• Compensationcommensuratewith experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Highly-competitivehealth plan.

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.

• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost toemployee.

• Voluntary life and short-term disability optionsavailable.

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

• Flexible Spending Account with medicalexpenseand dependent care options.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Generouspaid time off and holidays.

FosterAdoptConnect does not and shall not discriminateon the basis ofrace, 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:_______________________