Director of Kinship Navigation
Job Purpose:
The Director of Kinship Navigation is responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and expansion of kinship-focused services within Child and Family Services. This role leads program implementation, ensures compliance with county and state requirements, and drives initiatives to identify, support, and expand kinship placement resources. The Director provides leadership to staff, collaborates with internal & external stakeholders, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, family-centered services aligned with agency goals.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related human services field preferred
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required
Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience working within child welfare or a related human services field
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership, supervisory, or program management experience preferred
- Experience working with kinship care, foster care systems, or family-centered service models preferred
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced knowledge of child welfare systems, kinship care practices, and regulatory requirements
- Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate program initiatives
- Ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, including in high-pressure or crisis situations
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners, including county agencies and community providers
- Knowledge of data tracking, performance metrics, and program evaluation
- The ability to build and complete data reports based on strengths, needs, and opportunities within the department
- Outgoing personality that may be required reach out to various jurisdictions around the country to ensure current kinship navigation practices are meeting best standards
- Will be required to travel locally to ensure soft touch points for the regional offices of CYF, inclusive of attendance at their mandatory staff meetings when possible
- Ability to ensure compliance with agency policies, DPW regulations, and contractual requirements
- Demonstrated cultural competency, including experience working with diverse populations, with emphasis on families of African American heritage
- Ability to complete on-call rotations for CFS
Certifications & Requirements
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License
- Registered and insured vehicle with proof of insurance
- Ability to travel locally (city/county travel required)
- Current Act 33, State Police, and FBI Clearances
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed
- Availability to support on-call or emergent program needs as required
Organizational Relationships
- Reports to Senior Leadership ( Sr. Managing Director of CFS or Executive Leadership)
Job Status: Full-time, exempt
Responsibilities:
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Kinship Navigation and Expansion initiatives
- Oversee program operations to ensure effective, timely, and compliant service delivery
- Develop and implement strategies to expand kinship placement resources and improve placement outcomes
- Supervise and support program staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development
- Ensure compliance with all agency policies, county and state regulations
- Collaborate with Allegheny County and other external partners to support kinship placement efforts and program alignment
- Monitor program performance, including tracking outcomes, identifying trends, and implementing improvements
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and program standards
- Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making
- Support data collection, reporting, and analysis to inform program effectiveness and growth
- Address complex or high-risk cases as needed and provide guidance to staff
- Promote cross-departmental collaboration to ensure coordinated service delivery
- Represent the program in meetings, audits, and external engagements as required
- Support expansion efforts, including program development, community outreach, and partnership building
- Perform other duties as assigned based on organizational needs
Physical Demands:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Ability to perform computer-based work for extended periods in field, office, and remote settings
- Ability to move about the work environment and handle light materials
- Ability to travel locally or nationally if required
- Ability to lift, carry, and transport work materials and small equipment up to 20 lbs as needed
- Sufficient vision, hearing, and communication abilities to perform typical office and virtual work tasks
