Kinship Navigator Program Coordinator- GULFPORT AREA

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

STATUS: Full – Time

LOCATION: Gulfport, MS

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES:

The Program Coordinator oversees the progress, successes, and barriers/opportunities for improvement of the Kinship program and Navigator’s work. Provides direction and supervision for the ongoing operation of the Kinship Navigator Program and staff. Directs professional staff in development of skills, delivery of quality services and documentation of efforts. This position will also collaborate with state and local personnel including MDCPS, MDMH, MSDOM, and other regulatory agencies as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Monitors compliance, evaluated effectiveness, and recommends and implements improvements to existing program operational practices.
2. Establishes program priorities and goals consistent with the overall mission of the agency.
3. Provides technical assistance and training to internal and external service providers, developing policy interpretation, and/or evaluating quality and management.
4. Advises and supports staff regarding assessing family background information to expand diligent search options.
5. Provides caregivers and staff with pertinent information to timely and successfully transition caregivers along the Kinship Continuum.
6. Collects necessary data and completes required reports to support program evaluation.
7. Serves as a point of contact for the Kinship Navigator program with all outside entities.
8. Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

1. Master's degree in a related field from an approved, accredited college or university(preferably in social work, human services, or related field) and 5 years' experience working with children and families or
2. Bachelor's-level degree (preferably in social work, human services, or related field) and 8 years of experience in working with children and families.
3. Preference may be given to candidates who have at a minimum 5 years of experience in wraparound.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Ability to provide education and advocacy on behalf of kinship families; and strong empathy and understanding of the unique role, needs and challenges of kinship caregivers
2. Ability to promote placement stability and positive permanency outcomes
3. Ability to respond quickly to time sensitive requests
4. Ability to engage with high level personnel and build partnerships
5. Knowledgeable of Child Protective Services and Foster Care best practices
6. Ability to travel within assign district
7. Knowledgeable of changing climate in the human service field
8. Excellent oral, written, research, presentation, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills