Kinship Specialist

Overview Kinship Specialist assesses safety for children and youth while in DFPS conservatorship and who have been placed with a kinship caregiver. The Kinship Specialist supports children in kinship placements and their families by offering services to promote children’s well-being and permanency. Key Responsibilities Completes health and safety inspections including home studies which assess and report the appropriateness of the placement. This includes all coordination, assessment writing, recommendation of placements, and placement monitoring required of ICPC. Determines and recommends services and/or placement needs of children and caregivers. Coordinates and manages case assignments of Kinship placements through conducting home visits, interviews, documentation, case planning reviews, service coordination, referrals, collateral contacts, and monitoring of developmental plans that address safety, permanency, and well-being issues. Coordinates and tracks the provision and utilization of services available through grants, community resources, and state/federal agencies for kinship children and caregivers providing kinship care. Provides services to kinship children and families including, but not limited to, trainings, role-modeling, demonstration, transportation, parenting skills, life skills, case management, support groups, information sharing, community resources, enhancing child development, and encouraging best practice behavior management. Supports case planning and permanency goals for children placed with Kinship caregivers through coordinating with Permanency staff on issues related to permanency, safety, and well-being. Engages in the delivery of services to kinship children and caregivers through participation and engagement in internal/external agency meetings, conferences, assessments, wrap around services, team decision making, and community collaborations involving EMPOWER staff, stakeholders, and community resources. Practices teamwork in all activities including those that collaborate to engage Kinship children/families, stakeholders, community resources, and EMPOWER staff to better promote outcomes for the benefit of children and families served. Provides input, education, and information to Kinship Caregivers and professionals on best practice philosophies related to Kinship care, permanency options, and the delivery of services to children and families as it related to PCA and/or Adoption. Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-to-day interactions. Will be required to drive personal or agency vehicle while transporting children or conducting agency business. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must meet agency underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and/or transporting clients. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in child and family services to meet Texas Minimum Standards requirements for Child Placing staff. Benefits Competitive salary, health benefits, 401(k) match, personal leave, paid holidays, longevity bonus, and more. Apply: Visit to apply. TFI Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salary Description: Average hourly rate for this position is $25.77. #J-18808-Ljbffr