IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Child & Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Human Services Specialist (Kinship Navigator) to lead and strengthen outreach and support efforts for kinship caregivers within the community. The Kinship Navigator will be responsible for developing and implementing outreach programming that increases awareness of kinship care and available resources, as well as providing individualized assistance to kinship caregivers. This role supports caregivers in learning about, accessing, and effectively utilizing community-based programs, benefits, and services to meet the safety, wellbeing and permanent needs of children in their care.
Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
Specific duties include:
Developing and implementing Kinship Navigator outreach materials such as fliers and brochures;
Assisting kinship families by connecting to other kinship families in the community with the use of social media and providing outreach activities for families;
Participating in community presentations at local and state community events;
Offering virtual or in-person support groups on a rotating basis;
Hosting community events independently or collaboratively to provide information and referral for kinship families;
Linking kinship caregivers and youth to a wide array of services and supports to ensure stability and safety within the home;
Developing an information and referral system that links caregivers to community resources and outreach activities;
Maintaining up to date information on community resources;
Providing case management services to kinship caregivers that are assessed as needing more intensive services through the Kinship Caregiver Needs Assessment; and
Providing training and education to kinship caregivers.