Kinship Navigator Specialist

DescriptionJob Identification:

Position Title:

Kinship Navigator Specialist

Status:

Non-Exempt

Location:

Ki-Ho-Ta Center

Department:

Indian Child Welfare

Reports to:

Child & Adult Welfare Program Manager

Work Schedule:

Full-Time

Safety Sensitive:

Yes*

Driver’s License Required:

Yes

Position Summary:

The Kinship Navigator provides comprehensive support, advocacy, and resource coordination to relative and kinship caregivers raising Quapaw Nation children. This position serves as a trusted guide for caregivers by helping them navigate complex systems, identify available resources, strengthen caregiving skills, and access services that promote family stability and child well-being.

The Kinship Navigator works collaboratively with Indian Child Welfare staff, Tribal programs, community organizations, schools, courts, healthcare providers, and state agencies to ensure caregivers receive culturally responsive, coordinated services. Through education, advocacy, and individualized case management, this position promotes family preservation, strengthens kinship placements, and helps prevent unnecessary entry into foster care whenever safely possible.

Essential Job Functions:

Serve as the primary point of contact for relatives and kinship caregivers seeking assistance.
Conduct strengths-based assessments to identify the needs of caregivers and children.
Develop individualized Family Support Plans in collaboration with caregivers.
Assist caregivers in identifying goals and overcoming barriers to maintaining stable placements.
Provide information and referrals for tribal, federal, state, and community resources.
Assist caregivers with applications and enrollment for available benefits and services.
Coordinate referrals for legal assistance, behavioral health services, financial resources, educational supports, respite care, healthcare, childcare, housing, transportation, and other community services.
Conduct home visits with kinship caregivers, as appropriate, to assess needs, provide support, and strengthen caregiver capacity within the home environment.
Maintain regular contact with caregivers to monitor progress, evaluate service effectiveness, and address emerging needs.
Provide advocacy and support while helping caregivers navigate child welfare, educational, healthcare, and court systems.
Coordinate and facilitate support groups, educational workshops, parenting classes, and cultural programming for kinship families.
Assist with implementation of Positive Indian Parenting, Circle of Keepers, and other evidence-informed or culturally based programming.
Promote cultural identity by connecting children and caregivers with Quapaw Nation traditions, language, cultural events, and tribal resources.
Collaborate with Indian Child Welfare staff, Juvenile Affairs, Adult Protective Services, Social Services, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to coordinate services.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with tribal departments, partner agencies, and community organizations.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in accordance with program policies and grant requirements.
Collect data and maintain documentation necessary for grant reporting, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
Assist with community outreach, caregiver recruitment, and public awareness activities related to kinship services.
Represent the Quapaw Nation at community meetings, conferences, and outreach events as assigned.
Ensure confidentiality while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
Provide timely information regarding available resources and services to the Indian Child Welfare Manager.
Other duties assigned by the Indian Child Welfare Manager.

Non-essential Job Functions:

Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives.

Assist with special projects as assigned.
May provide educational presentations to community partners or program participants.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

QualificationsJob Specifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with caregivers, children, families, and community partners.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to assess family strengths and identify available resources.
Strong organizational, case management, and time management skills.
Ability to coordinate multiple services while maintaining accurate documentation.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and family-centered practice principles.
Knowledge of community resources and public assistance programs.
Knowledge of federal, tribal, and state child welfare systems and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer applications.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to crisis situations and make timely referrals.
Ability to obtain a favorable adjudication certification within 90 days of hire.
Must successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Family Studies, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience:

Experience working with Native American communities and knowledge of tribal culture and traditions preferred.
Experience providing case management, resource coordinat