Kinship Care Specialist

Job Description
This individual will be responsible for providing a wide range of services (including assessment, case management, and placement support) on behalf of children placed in kinship care in King County. The majority of this work is placement support, which includes direct work with families and children, including:
- Provide timely support to often newly placed kinship families. This includes completing a needs assessment, goal setting/treatment planning, and ongoing placement support, case management, and resource navigation.
- Assist kinship families to complete DCYF’s licensing process by connecting with resources as well as identifying and addressing barriers. This includes working with the family to complete trainings, required paperwork, and securing necessary items for licensure.
- Ensuring that the physical, emotional, and social needs of children placed in Amara-supported kinship homes are met.
- Liaising with multiple professionals in the child welfare arena (such as DCYF workers, CASAs, and service providers)
- Facilitation of kinship workshops and support groups such as a trauma informed triad support group (youth, caregiver, and parent) that will focus on promoting shared principles.
- Provide basic supports to parents of youth placed in kinship homes helping to ensure they are connected to the appropriate resources (such as, referring to local resources like Parents for Parents, inviting to Collaborative Parenting Workshop).
- Meeting requirements for timely, accurate, and thorough documentation for case files
- Making referrals for community services for children and families as needed
- Attending and participating in staff meetings and trainings as required
- Flexing hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis (ask that staff provide at minimum one night a week for evening appointments)
- Engage in team meetings, supervision, and clinical consultation to ensure effective utilization of clinical skills and to engage in ongoing professional development.