Job Description

A career can mean different things at different workplaces. Apply now to see what it means to us and what it's like to work somewhere your voice is heard, your wellness is a priority, and your success matters.

JOB TITLE: Kinship Navigator

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, 40 hours/wk

SCHEDULED HOURS: Monday-Friday 7am-9pm flexible schedule around caseload

PROGRAM/LOCATION: Connecticut Kinship Navigator Program, Manchester

PC#: 1191

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Connecticut Kinship Navigator Program (CKIN)

The Connecticut Kinship Navigator Program (CKIN) is a program intended to prevent the disruption of foster care placements and increase stability and permanency by providing timely in-home interventions with kinship caregivers and the children in their care. CKIN collaboratively identifies the needs of the family, children, and overall home environment. Through empowering and motivating caregivers, providing psychoeducation and skill development, caregivers will learn additional information pertaining to foster care, the impact of trauma, how to manage trauma-related behaviors and moods, and be connected to resources.

Do you have lived Foster Care and/or Kinship care* experience? If so, then this might be the perfect fit for you!

*Kinship care is defined as the raising of children by grandparents and/or other extended family members. This also encompasses fictive kin as unrelated adults with whom they have close family-like relationships, such as godparents, step-parents, neighbors, and close family friends.

• Help Foster Care children and families navigate change.
• Utilize your lived experience with Foster Care and Kinship care to build bonds with children and families and make a positive impact on their lives!
• Supportive team environment
• Flexible Schedule!
• No weekends or on-call requirements.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts needs assessments to identify needs in the following areas: basic needs, legal, child welfare, caregiver social support, caregiver health, caregiver education & training, family functioning, childcare, education & child development, child social support, child health and cultural support;
• Assists families on how to identify and prioritize family needs, and how to navigate and access community resources;
• Identifies culturally appropriate resources for families within their communities;
• Provides support to families and connects them to needed resources in their community;
• Advocates for the needs of the family to all parties involved;
• Participates in trainings and meetings and regularly attends supervision;
• Documents all services and contacts with families, collateral contacts and providers.
• Additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: BSW or BA/BS in related human services field is preferred but candidates with an Associate’s degree plus an extra two years’ experience in a related field or candidates with a High School diploma with a minimum of 4 years’ extra experience in related field will be considered.

Experience: At least two (2) years’ experience working with families and knowledgeable about community resources and services. Experience in advocacy work in behalf of children and families preferred. Closely related kinship caregiver experience of 2 years or more preferred.

Licensure/Certification/RegistrationValid current driver’s license and must own vehicle to drive regularly to home visits.

Additional Qualifications: Bilingual (Spanish Speaking) preferred.

Why Join CHR?

Award-Winning Workplace:

• Proudly recognized as a Top Workplace for 12 consecutive years!

Generous Time Off:

• Enjoy ample paid time off, including a special day off for your birthday!

Retirement Savings:

• Benefit from contributions to your 403b Retirement Plan.

Comprehensive Insurance:

• Competitive premiums with added discounts on pet, auto, and home insurance!

Education & Tuition Support:

• Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
• Student loan repayment assistance (Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Nurse Corps, NHSC/HRSA at select sites).
• Exclusive tuition discounts for CHR employees at several local colleges/universities.

Career Development:

• FREE robust training curriculum, featuring our brand-new Clinical Training Series for interactive learning, practical skill enhancement, and professional growth!
• Clinical supervision and/or mentoring available at many programs.
• Internal career fairs: connect with recruiters to discuss your career aspirations and the various opportunities available within our over 80 programs statewide.

Wellness Program:

• Annual wellness stipend.
• FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, for employees and their families.
• Fun activities like coloring contests, lunch & learns, office seasonal decorating contests, employee appreciation events, and more!
• Up to 6 FREE confidential counseling sessions per issue, per year, for individuals, couples, & families through our EAP program.

Employee Involvement:

• Participate in leadership luncheons with our CEO and various agency committees!

Stay Informed:

• Weekly video updates from our CEO and monthly newsletters to keep you in the loop.

And So Much More:

• Many benefits are available to all staff, regardless of the hours worked, with some subject to eligibility.

Join us at CHR and be part of an exciting, supportive, and dynamic workplace where your growth and well-being are our top priorities!

COMPENSATION *

$20.6586/hour minimum, and up commensurate upon experience

*Actual rates are determined at the time of offer and are based on relevant experience and internal equity, as well as, adherence to our internal equity policy. Many of our positions offer program/location differentials and/or sign-on incentives. (Please note, for part-time positions this range would be pro-rated based on hours worked)

CHR is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all to apply.

Take the first step to a meaningful career and apply to CHR today!