Kinship Navigator-Caregiver Support Team

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kinship Navigator provides direct services/case management/coordination of care to an assigned caseload of individuals/families. This position assists in accessing needed supports and resources in the community, facilitates ongoing communication and advocacy between the family, DCF, school, probation and any other involved supports or service providers. This position may also facilitate/co-facilitate groups in accordance to standard practice.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma and two years of lived experience as kinship or relative caregiver is preferred or BA/BS degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Counseling or related field required. Effective time management, strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs

LOCATION

Bristol, CT

SCHEDULE

Full time

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:

Nurture Your Health:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future:

• Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company

Fuel Your Career Growth:

• Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
• Access training and development opportunities
• Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication

Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

• Recharge with generous paid time off, including:

• 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
• 8 sick days per year for your well-being

• 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
• 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
• 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops case management plans or plans of care and provides direct case management services and/or coordination of care, including interventions necessary to increase the probability of positive outcomes, build on strengths of the family and to improve life functioning. Submits and reviews documentation as defined by program.

Provides crisis support to individuals and/or families in the program by phone, in-home and/or in the community as needed based on initial assessment of the presenting concerns and program practice parameters. Problem solves by interpreting and adapting guidelines in the field and reviews situational details and assessment with supervisor for a second opinion and consultation.

Makes decisions based on working collaboratively with the family. Uses supervision for guidance, uses judgment to interpret and adapt program guidelines/procedures based on specific concerns/needs/problems presented by client/ the family.

Provides group, individual and/or family support and guidance with appropriate supervision and coordinates treatment phases with both internal and/or external service providers.

Maintains records of services provided, coordination of care, child and family team meetings and/or case management activities for reporting and tracking purposes and completes all documentation for caregiver medical records in accordance with documentation timelines and in compliance with licensing and other regulatory requirements/agencies as defined by program.

Supports daily program specific operational functions as required. May transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate.

Provides service (evaluation, treatment, wraparound team facilitation, follow-up, case management) in the office and/or community settings outside of the office (e.g., homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, other community locations) and maintains a flexible schedule to ensure services are delivered based on client needs and as defined by the program.

Provides/supports safety planning and crisis intervention with appropriate supervision including rotating on-call coverage with other team members to ensure 24 hour availability to clients as required by program.

Participates in the co-development, implementation, and facilitation of initial plan or plan of care, transition plan and timeline for strategies and next steps as defined by program.

Demonstrates knowledge of internal and external levels of care, referral processes, and resources. Makes appropriate referrals for identified support and service needs in a timely manner.

Meets direct service productivity goals as defined by program, understands program/department/agency guidelines, goals and target outcomes, and adheres to practice standards and to data collection and reporting protocols.

Identifies potential risk factors and takes measures to reduce those risks in the home through appropriate supervision, reinforcement of positive and safe behaviors, trauma-informed and relationally-based therapeutic interventions as defined by program.

Attends and is prepared for scheduled supervision, team meetings, staff meetings or rounds to assist in coordinating case management/care coordination and review of treatment plans/plans of care. Seeks additional supervision or consultation as needed and follows through with supervisory directives.

Communicates in a positive, effective manner with families, and all internal and external providers.

Demonstrates professional conduct as described by standards outlined in the Professional Conduct policy.

Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.