Job Description

Job Location Ottumwa Campus - Ottumwa, IA 52501 Position Type Full Time Education Level Bachelor's Degree Job Shift 1st Shift Job Category Nonprofit - Social Services

What you will do?

As the Kinship Navigator you will provide individualized services that incorporate the voices of children, parents, kin, fictive kin and community partners in order to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families. This program is structured to meet the needs of kinship caregivers while supporting placement stability, reunification and child safety. Specific responsibilities include:

• Making an assessment of kinship caregiver needs related to identifying the best way to support them and children in their care.
• Development of a Kinship Care Plan with action steps to specified outcomes including:
  • Support and identification of affordable childcare
  • Access to medical, dental and mental health services
  • Ensuring the basic needs are being met including clothing, furniture, food and gas cards
• Providing opportunities for parent education including Safecare.
• Associating with support groups to provide an outlet for shared communication and emotional support.
• Connecting kinship caregivers with supplemental resources such s food assistance, child care, family investment program (FIP0, medical insurance and/or legal aid.

What are the Goals?

• Create a safe, stable and supportive home environment for children
• Keep children within their natural supports
• Understand gaps and delays with service delivery to kinship caregivers
• Maintain and engage kinship caregivers using a strength-based approach
• Increase kinship placements
• Decrease lateral movements

Why Work here?

Four Oaks understands the importance of supporting and treating one another as if they were our own family members. We believe in maintaining a healthy work/life balance while providing career paths for everyone. Our organization flourishes in an environment of equal opportunity and fair treatment for all. The effects of diversity and inclusion have created an atmosphere of positivity which connects us to the customers we serve. As a valued team member, you are eligible for:

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401k Retirement plan
• Growth & Advancement opportunities
• Excellent paid leave time package
• 7 Paid holidays
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Business casual work environment
• Educational discounts

Qualifications & Program Information

What you need:

To qualify you must possess a Bachelor's Degree in social work or a human services related field plus two (2) years of full time paid experience in child welfare or a Master's Degree in Human Services. Prior experience in working with Foster and Adoptive families is a plus!