Overview
The Kinship Navigator Program provides families and caregivers with linkages to government and community resources. KNP is designed to enrich the lives of children and their caregivers by providing direct support that is holistic and relevant to creating stability and to facilitate permanency.
The Intake Specialist serves as the first point of contact for kinship caregivers, children, and referral sources. They are responsible for gathering essential information, determining program eligibility, and ensuring a warm, supportive introduction to KNP. They maintain accurate records in accordance with NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) guidelines and support smooth service linkage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Receive and respond to referrals from DCF and community partners (Care Management Organization -CMO, Mobile Response Stabilization Services – MRSS)
- Establish warm and supportive relationship with all caregivers
- Conduct initial screening to determine eligibility (family must be active with the Division of Child Protection & Permanency) and needs of kinship caregivers
- Explain program services, processes, and confidentiality policies to caregivers
- Schedule follow-up assessments with Kinship Navigator staff and caregiver
- Maintain accurate and timely data entry in program databases
- Coordinate with KNP team to ensure caregivers are linked to appropriate supports and resources
- Uphold confidentiality in handling client records and information
- Meet with kinship caregiver in their home
- Maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate to the needs of the caregiver
- Other relevant duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children, families, and adolescent populations
Effective Oral and written communication skills
Bachelor's Degree preferred, or Associate's degree with 2 years of customer-related experience
Driver’s License (Required). Ability to use a personal vehicle for self-transportation
Computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families to apply.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in South Orange, NJ 07079
