Job Description

Position Function

The Kinship Connections Specialist is responsible for providing clinical case management services to kinship families, including support groups, training, in-home therapeutic services, crisis management, assistance with transportation as needed, after care and transitional services. The role involves responding to referrals, coordinating services and admissions, and supporting kinship families by developing and implementing plans of service to stabilize behaviors and prevent placement disruptions. This position will implement a child-centered, trauma-informed care approach and our treatment model Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), ensuring the well-being of children in kinship placements while empowering and supporting caregivers. The Kinship Connections Specialist will be responsible for accurate documentation, consistent communication, and maintaining a strong working relationship with families, community partners, and the multi-disciplinary team. Travel within the service area is required, and the position demands sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the kinship families served.

Requirements

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is required: a Master’s degree in social work or related field is preferred.

Experience The position requires two (2) years of cumulative experience with an undergraduate degree which includes working with children and families providing crisis intervention, intake and assessment, and case management. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents and families, good verbal and written communication skills. Possess a working knowledge of basic computer skills.

Functional Requirements include

• Providing expedient services to clients and families per services recommendations or T3C service package if applicable
• Be present in the home on a regular and consistent basis for clients assigned to in-home services, no less than two times per month
• Provide ongoing assessment, service planning, resource development, skill training, risk assessment, safety planning, and advocacy
• Facilitate, and document support groups and trainings as assigned.
• Facilitate and document a family assessment, Family Plan; case management services, aftercare and transition planning for all clients assigned for in-home services.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services for all assigned clients.
• Provide on call support, rotated within members of the Kinship Connections team. At least one or two weekends per month you will be on call to answer emergencies with families and children assigned to your team’s caseload.
• Prepare and submit all required documentation, reports, and statistical data in a timely manner.
• Follow policies and procedures of ACH and represent the agency in a positive and professional manner. Coordinate the collaboration of referral agencies, family members, and other support systems to meet the needs of families and children.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to children with behavioral challenges, including possible physical aggression.
• A personal, dependable vehicle is required for travel.
• Must maintain a good driving record and ensure safe transport to client locations.
• The position provides 24/7 on-call support to assigned families.

Exposure to Confidential Information

The Kinship Connections Specialist will have access to confidential client information, including family plans, case files, and personal records. The Kinship Connections Specialist must maintain confidentiality & follow HIPAA and agency policies related to personal records & client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities

Programming:

• Organize and facilitate support groups and training for kinship caregivers and children, ensuring sessions are accessible and flexible to meet client needs.
• Provide ongoing case management services and therapeutic interventions, including risk assessments, safety planning, skills training, and behavioral stabilization. This case management will continue into Aftercare Case Management Services and Transitional Support Services for applicable children exiting the foster care system.
• Ensure regular engagement with clients by visiting kinship homes at least twice a month, attending school meetings, and court proceedings as needed.
• Collaborate with other agencies, including TDFPS, OCOK, Licensing, and community resources, to ensure comprehensive care for children and families.
• Implement interventions for children’s behavioral challenges based on trauma-informed, child-centered care practices.
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with kinship families, setting achievable goals, and coordinating resources to facilitate transitions and stability.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and complete required paperwork within specified timeframes, including family plans, progress notes, and discharge documentation.

Community Relations

• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with community agencies, including schools, therapists, courts, CASA, and other providers.
• Represent ACH Child and Family Services in all professional interactions, promoting the agency’s mission and values.
• Ensure that services are provided in compliance with program agreements, COA standards, T3C credentialing requirements and services packages if applicable, and ACH policies and procedures.

Documentation and Reporting

• Keep accurate and timely documentation of case activities, including assessments, service plans, and progress reports.
• Complete and document initial and ongoing family assessments, ensuring that each family has a clear and updated service plan.
• Participate in scheduled case staffing, regular supervision, and team meetings to ensure that cases are being managed appropriately. Maintain up-to-date case records.
• Assist in development of program related forms and measurement tools.

Work Behaviors

• Follow ACH’s policies and procedures, ensuring quality services and professionalism in all aspects of the role.
• Respond flexibly to changing priorities and client needs, adapting strategies as necessary to support kinship families and children in care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advocating for the well-being and empowerment of children and kinship families, providing services that are strengths-based and trauma-informed.

Other Duties Assigned

• Facilitate and attend team staffing meetings
• Attend designated agency or community meetings or training.
• Complete trainings and certifications as required by licensing standards and agency policies.
• Assist with other agency program’s activities as assigned.
• Assist with fundraising or other agency functions as needed.
• Other applicable duties as assigned by supervisor.

#ACH1

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

Requirements

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is required: a Master’s degree in social work or related field is preferred.

Experience The position requires two (2) years of cumulative experience with an undergraduate degree which includes working with children and families providing crisis intervention, intake and assessment, and case management. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents and families, good verbal and written communication skills. Possess a working knowledge of basic computer skills.