Kinship Support Specialist
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This job was posted by : For more information, please see: Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionThe Kinship Support Specialist will provide support to kinship families caring for youth experiencing foster care, conduct initial home assessments, and assist in the foster care licensing process. The support shall include ensuring families are enrolled in services, conducting home monitoring visits, ongoing family support, training, retention support, guidance, conducting interviews and home assessments, and assisting with the licensure process.Kinship Specialists will be expected to provide exceptional customer service to all involved in a youths case, as well as be timely with notes, reports and responses to families. This position requires knowledge of community supports available to families.Essential Duties & Functions (With or Without Accommodation):Contact assigned families per contract requirementsConduct initial home visits, identify needs and assist in providing resources and supportAssist families in enrolling in support programs such as WIC, TANF, fingerprinting, behavioral health services and educational supportsComplete interviews and write the home assessment for kinship families identified as placement for a youth experiencing foster careConduct monthly and quarterly monitoring and support home visitsConduct initial and ongoing home inspections for foster care licensureSupport kinship families through the licensing processEnsure all timelines for home assessments and home studies for licensure are completed per contract requirementsEnsure all documents required for each family file is complete & current per contract and Chapter 6Conduct amendments and renewals on licensed homes within contract requirements and timelinesConduct licensing investigations as requested by the Office of Licensing and Regulation (OLR) and the Department of Child Safety (DCS)Provide initial licensing and ongoing trainings to kinship providersConduct courtesy supervision visits on behalf of DCS for out of county placementsAssist in adoption certifications and guardianship annual reviews as assignedParticipate in Aviva lead events as neededKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities (With or Without Accommodation):Knowledge of:An understanding of family systemsAn understanding of strength-based home visiting techniquesAn understanding of child and adolescent development and behaviorA working knowledge of the impact of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child neglect, and substance abuse on families and childrenEasterseals Blake Foundation-Avivas missions and the willingness to support its sustainable business practicesSkills:High level of initiative and desire to meet specific goalsOutstanding customer service skills, tact, discretion and attention to detailA commitment to excellence.Must be able to exchange accurate information.Must be able to meet training and agency compliance requirements for the position.Ability to:Manage multiple projects, requests, and deadlines simultaneouslySpeak and write effectivelyWork independentlyTeach others using anticipatory guidance, modeling, coaching, reflection, and role-playBuild strong partnerships with staff, consumers and community service agenciesWork collaboratively and positively with colleaguesPrepare written reports and document information accurately and objectivelyUse resources efficiently and wiselyWork flexible hours to meet the needs and schedule of caregivers; including evenings and weekendsAcknowledge, respect, and build upon the diversity of families with regard to such factors as race, ethnicity, family constellation, gender, socioeconomic status, values, and traditionsRecognize abuse and/or neglect in the home.Be onsite at Aviva for meetings and appointments as requested.Proficient in the use of laptop computer and corresponding programs (i.e. PDF; Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Calendar/Outlook).Easterseals Blake Foundation and Aviva are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative action employer that promotes a work environment of inclusion and diversity. We are committed to provide employment opportunities to all candidates based on their qualifications free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, mental or physical disability, or any other characte