Kinship Support Specialist

Core Competencies

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about Blueprints mission and others in the organization.
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job.
• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles.
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results.
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems.

Effective Practices

• Demonstrates respect for others by sharing information objectively and non-judgmentally and adjusting verbal and written communication strategies for different audiences, guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct and using appropriate language.
• Confidentiality Statement: Upon accepting employment with Blueprints you will not disclose or use any Blueprints confidential information, either during or after your employment.
• Effectively communicates with others by using available technologies (e.g. fax, voice-mail, computers - see attached chart). Ensures that own communication is easily understood by speaking and writing clearly and using standard grammar and spelling.
• Makes prudent use of resources by monitoring consumption, minimizing waste, and offering suggestions for improving agency efficiency (e.g. travel expenses, office supplies).
• Effectively carries out job responsibilities by familiarizing self with pertinent program plans and policies, and overall agency goals and working cooperatively as part of a program team.
• Provides a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by acknowledging, accepting and accommodating differences.

Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
• Understand and maintain compliance with contractual agreements and agency contracts with Children and Youth Services, to include completing all paperwork associated with the position and meeting deadlines as outlined within such contracts.
• Maintain awareness of and abide by agency organizational structure, goals, mission, policies, and procedures and all local, state and federal regulations and requirements. Represent same throughout the community.
• Maintain contact with County Children and Youth Services and private providers involved with the program.
• Establish positive relationships with participants and ensure program and treatment goals are addressed and attained.
• Attend court hearings and meetings related to job duties.
• Provide ongoing collaboration with community resources and update Kinships Caregiver handbook as needed.
• Build strong relationships with businesses, social service agencies, and other such organizations within the communities served.
• Complete all Kinship Supports Intervention model responsibilities.
• Conduct all assessments and plans within established timelines.
• Develop a working knowledge of other community agencies and their services for the purpose of assessing a participant's suitability for services through these agencies.
• Provide referrals to other appropriate services intended to link participants to community resources.
• Complete home visits and all required meetings.
• Complete all preparation responsibilities and conferences relating to Crisis/Rapid Response meetings and Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) conferences.
• Provide crisis intervention and prevention 24 hours a day through on-call rotation as scheduled.

Computer Skills Needed

• Computer Intermediate
• Internet Intermediate
• Email Intermediate
• Word Intermediate
• Excel Intermediate

Skills, Abilities And Experience

• Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System experience required.
• Transportation of participants to and from sessions and office locations.
• Ability to interact positively with partnering agencies while maintaining a strength-based approach with youth and families.
• ffective written and strong communication skills required.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience working with children and families required.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
• Master's degree in Social Work or related field preferred.