Social Program Specialist(4643-12)

Social Program Specialist (Kinship Program Specialist) (4563-12)

Highly Competitive Employee Benefits Package and Generous Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays, Immediately Begin with 40 hours Paid Vacation if No Prior Service.

Ohio Public Employee Retirement System which includes 14% Employer Contribution AND a defined benefit option.

Highly Competitive and Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Commuter Stipend or Free On-Site Parking, Wellness Incentives, robust Employee Assistance Program, access to Free Medical and Rx through Marathon Health, plus expansive Behavioral and Mental Health Resources, and More!

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 13. 2026

WORK LOCATION:

Job & Family Services

222 E. Central Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45202

WORK HOURS:

Full-Time 80 hours biweekly (Potential for Hybrid Remote Work Schedule)

HOURLY SALARY: $23.04

NOTE: Applicants for positions with Hamilton County Job and Family Services are subject to background screening in accordance with the document: "Offenses that May Disqualify Candidates for Employment." Convictions from this list may disqualify a candidate for employment with HCJFS.

Applicants for Children’s Services positions cannot provide foster care for children in the custody of Hamilton County.

REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION):

• Undergraduate degree in a social or behavioral science plus 12 months DHS experience;
• or undergraduate degree in a non-related field plus 18 months DHS experience;
• or an associate degree plus 24 months DHS experience;
• or 36 months DHS experience;
• or equivalent
  
  
  

AGENCY-PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, strong organization skills, superior time management
• Experience with Team facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Adaptable and flexible
• Ability and comfort working with, diverse populations in various environments.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, understanding of, or ability to learn.
• Works independently exercising keen assessment skills.
  
  
  

JOB DUTIES (SUMMARY):

• Acts as primary contact for Hamilton County Kinship Stipend. Speaks or meets with individuals interested in receiving the kinship stipend. Completes initial review of eligibility and paperwork accuracy. Collects and maintains Kinship Caregiver Vendor Form, the Vendor Registration, and the Direct Deposit form for Kinship Stipend recipients. Provides authorization for payment through SACWIS or other designated payment system. Resolves any issues regarding issuance of the Kinship Stipend with the Fiscal department
• Acts as one of the agency’s primary contacts for Kinship Support and Navigation of internal services. Coordinates with Kinship Engagement Program Support to ensure necessary background checks are completed to initiate the Kinship Assessment. Coordinates with Child Care division to ensure that families have completed the application for public funded childcare, and if deemed ineligible they will assist the family in applying for kinship childcare assistance. Maintains documentation of referrals and determinations
• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates information to determine impact and/or feasibility of kinship navigation supports in program operations and permanency for children. Coordinates partnership with and referrals to contracted providers specific the Kinship supports.
• Performs a variety of specialized administrative functions requiring interpretive and decision makings skills; maintains basic knowledge of all programs and services offered by the kinship department; create kinship provider numbers in SACWIS; fingerprints clients for Children’s Services.
  
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (*Indicates can be developed after employment)

• Knowledge of: social or behavioral science (e.g., child and family community services, social work, sociology, psychology, criminology, penology, rehabilitation), agency, state and/or federal statutes, rules, regulations and procedures governing delivery of social programs specific to area of employment*; available community resources specific to area of employment*; social services policy and program planning and analysis; public relations; effective oral communication*; interviewing; employee and/or program participates and/or program recipients training.
• Ability to: define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; proofread technical materials, recognize errors and make corrections; gather, collate and classify data; establish good rapport with program participants and/or program recipients; prepare and deliver speeches before specialized audiences; prepare and maintain meaningful, concise and accurate reports.
  
  
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FACTORS:

• Must undergo a background check via the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI). Must have a car, valid driver’s license issued by the state of residency and required auto liability insurance.
  
  
  

PHYSICAL and/or MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Working at a computer extensively for eight (8) hours or more per day.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
  
  
  

HAZARDOUS and/or WORKING CONDITIONS:

• None
  
  
  

BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED:

Background checks consistent with requirements in OAC 5101:2-5-09 must be completed at employment and every ten years following, including but not limited to the following systems:

• State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)
• State Child/Abuse Neglect Central Registry Check for any state in which the applicant resided within the last five years
• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification Investigation (BCI)
• FBI
• National Sex Offender Public website (WWW.NSOPW.Gov) Code 5101:2-5-09 must be conducted for each prospective employee