Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The MSU School of Social Work is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 650 students are enrolled in our CSWE-accredited BASW and MSW programs, and PhD program.

The Kinship Care Resource Center (KCRC) is one of four community programs in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. The Kinship Care Resource Center provides statewide support, information, and referrals for kinship caregivers through a website, toll-free phone line, and community outreach. KCRC is engaged in the development and study of a Kinship Navigator model designed to improve caregiver well-being and satisfaction called the Kinship Support Program (KSP). This position will support implementation of the statewide Connect model and oversight of kinship navigators hired by community organizations with whom KCRC has contracted partnerships. This position will be funded through September 30, 2025, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

The primary functions of this role include:

• Meets regularly with community partner navigators to consult on cases and support implementation of the model protocol
• Coaches and supports kinship navigators to ensure practices are culturally responsive and timely
• Identifies and implements, alongside the training coordinator, activities designed to meet continued learning needs for providers and partnering supervisors
• Executes a fidelity plan for assigned navigators and drives CQI activities for the Connect model
• Facilitates communication and maintains relationships between referral agencies and kinship families to ensure effective service delivery.
• Responds to inquiries from prospective program participants and provides referrals and direct services, including phone support, as needed.
• Meets and communicates regularly with the partner organization Site Coordinators
• Collaborates with Kinship team leaders on strategies to enhance implementation discuss trends, facilitate change processes, contribute to a culture of learning, and drive activities that support positive outcomes for kinship families.
• Presents to external audiences about kinship care
• Provides internship supervision
• Other duties as assigned

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field with a minimum of 2 years post graduate work experience
• Direct experience delivering human services, with experience in person- or family-led decision-making
• Experience supervising, training and coaching staff and/or interns to support skill development and continuous quality improvement practices
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience contributing to or supporting DEI initiatives in a professional or academic setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively, resolve team conflicts, foster collaboration, and adapt communication style to various audiences, contributing to successful project outcomes  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Share Teams, and Outlook, videoconferencing software (i.e. ZOOM), and using database systems for client data or Customer Relations Management Systems (i.e. Salesforce)
• Central Registry Clearance documenting that there is no record of child abuse or neglect.
• Internal Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and a National and State Sex Offender Registry Check.
• Ability to travel as the position requires regular, statewide travel to support outreach and meet with partner agencies
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work with detailed information with attention to accuracy; strong skills in documentation,  tracking, and data collection.
• Experience providing high-quality customer service, handling multiple priorities simultaneously with confidence in a human service or healthcare setting, and prioritizing activities to meet deadlines with limited supervision.
• Is licensed (or eligible to be) as a Master of Social Work (LMSW) in Michigan

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should send:

1) a letter of application stating qualifications and reasons for interest in this position;

2) current resume or curriculum vitae; and

3) Three letters of reference. At least one letter should be from a supervisor, and all letters should address your qualifications, skills, and ability to meet the responsibilities of the role. Please remember that letters of recommendation are due at the time of application.

Special Instructions

Work hours standard work hours with occasional weekends and evenings.

Occasional travel throughout the state of Michigan. This position is located in East Lansing allowing flexibility for some remote work.

Review of application will begin October 23, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

This is an off-dated position funded to September 30, 2025, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/23/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

kinship.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.