Kinship Social Worker and Trainer

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary:

Wayfinder’s Kinship Support Services Program is a kinship navigation service for grandparents, extended family members or close family friends who step up to raise children so they avoid the trauma of separation from their birth family. The program also assists kinship families that form voluntarily, without the assistance of a child welfare agency. Our program offers counseling, assistance with basic needs, support groups and workshops, respite resources and more. Kinship families are more stable, and children maintain their family connections, which produces better long-term outcomes.

The primary focus of the Kinship Navigator II & Trainer is to provide family support and case management services for kinship families. Develops, coordinates, and supervises family service plans, assesses, and identifies family needs and connects family to available kinship resources. In addition, this position will provide training to kinship families and staff on topics relevant to supporting youth in relative placements, both informally and formally. Kinship Navigator II and Trainer is expected to exercise professional judgment and discretion as the primary practitioner and collaborator in the successful integration of treatment of clients. 

The salary range reasonably expected for this position is $70,308 - $72,000.

Primary Responsibilities:

•  Develops, reviews, and updates Family Service Plans in coordination with county workers, kinship caregivers, and children.
• Interviews and establishes rapport with families.
• Orients and educates parents with the program.
• Conducts assessments to identify family needs.
• Case manages on average 8-10 families with basic and intense needs. 
• Makes appropriate referrals to community resources.
• Provides training to relative families caring for youth.
• Provides peer mentoring and peer training.
• May transport clients as needed.
• Recruits families for the program.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

•  A master’s degree in social work or a related field from an accredited college or university is required. Unrelated master’s degrees will be considered in conjunction with relevant experience.
• A minimum of two years of related experience is preferred. 
• Knowledge of the unique needs and dynamics of working with kinship families and youth.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and the unique needs of kinship care are highly desired. 
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.