Kinship Specialist

ParentLink offers parenting information and support to all Missourians using a variety of delivery methods to ensure universal access. Since 1989, ParentLink has served tens of thousands of Missouri families as well as service providers working with them. ParentLink became the Help Me Grow (HMG) Missouri Affiliate (HelpMeGrowNational.org) in 2015 and continues as such, joining 27 other states to focus dedicated attention on health and well-being of young children.

Assist in answering phone calls, texts, and emails coming into the 1-833-KIN-4-KID Line. Follow up with any missed calls or calls that were received outside of operating hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Following protocol, professional standards, and best practices, interact with each kinship caregiver to:
a. Identify needs/concerns in obtaining a resource
b. Assist caregiver in overcoming barriers, by: Providing ongoing problem-solving support, quality information, access to case management resources, advocacy, and connection to services for kinship caregivers.

Work with kinship caregivers, families and providers from a strength's perspective. Help caregivers to feel empowered, speak up, and articulate their concerns and needs; Work with the caregiver to identify strengths and clarify the concerns and challenges; Provide emotional support to caregivers; Honor and respect every person; Encounter each situation with compassion; Approach individuals in the spirit of collaboration; Serve with integrity and excellence.

Actively engage with community partners to identify families in need of services, provide support to families, and identify resources that will assist families.

Use ParentLink WarmLine, Access Navigators, and Kinship Specialists, and Family Resource Center partners to assist in Research and consultation with caregivers.

Participate in/facilitate kinship support group meetings.

Prepare and provide parenting classes to parents and caregivers on a variety of relevant topics. Enroll, assist, and guide parents and caregivers through Parenting Foundations. Reply to assignments, provide support, and update the Parenting Foundations spreadsheets. Issue certificates and coordinate follow up care after course completion.

Manage social media, mass texting, and website communication with parents and kinship caregivers. Create flyers, tip sheets, posts, and text messages with team input, update kinship caregiver contact information to receive texts, manage posting and texting scheduling, and assist in ensuring website it up-to-date.

Maintain data on clients, recording such elements as: Client and child description; Client need; Action taken; Referrals made; Follow-up provided, Etc.

Maintain data on community resources: Identify barriers to services, identify gaps in services, update community resource information in data system. Create tip sheets and supplemental resource guides for parents and caregivers who call into the Kin4Kid line.

Participate in ParentLink events and other trainings/conferences/PD to strengthen skills as a Kinship Resource Specialist

M-F, 8am-5pm

This position is located in Columbia, Missouri.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Master's Degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, or other related social services field.
• Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn new software programs and resource data management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail

Salary Range: $18 - $22 hourly

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: Program/Project Coordinator I

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.