Job TitleSTEPS Kinship Peer Support SpecialistRequisition NumberTE09039Department Name8T110:College of Social WorkWork LocationLexington, KYSalary Range$20.00/hourType of PositionTemporaryPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired Education
High School Diploma or GED
Required Related Experience
At least 1.5 year “lived” experience as a kinship caregiver for a child.
Required License/Registration/CertificationPhysical Requirements
Repetitive motion typical of desk work (sitting, bending, typing, twisting); prolonged exposure to computer screen; pushing, lifting, or pulling up to 20 lbs.; occasional travel required
Shift
Flexible schedule, daytime to early evening hours; 40 hours/week
Job Summary
The STEPS Kinship Peer Support Specialists will work within the Kentucky Kinship Information, Navigation, and Support (KY-KINS) program housed in the College of Social Work’s Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC).
STEPS Kinship Peer Support Specialists will:
- Provide structured peer support and outreach to kinship caregivers
- Support KY-KINS participants in an array of “life” areas, including home stresses, familial dynamics, goal setting, social relationships, and locating local and state resources through regular one-on-one and small group interactions with families and caregivers
- Promote positive behavior through experimental sharing, behavior modeling, goal setting, skill development, promoting self-efficacy, and fostering the development of healthy social capital.
STEPS Kinship Peer Support Specialists will be required to engage in a rigorous 40+ hour training protocol and will have the opportunity to receive a Family Peer Support Certification through the KY Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
Kinship Care refers to the care of a child(ren) by a relative or fictive kin if the child is unable to reside safely within their natural home and is often used as an alternative to placement in foster care.
Kinship care refers to the full-time care and nurturing of a child(ren) by caretakers who are considered relatives (related by birth, marriage, or adoption) to the child(ren), or, fictive kin (unrelated but have developed an emotionally significant relationship) with the child(ren).
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Candidates should have:
- Extensive first-hand, or “lived”, personal experience with kinship caregiving
- Experience working with varied and diverse individuals and groups
- Knowledge of policy, processes, and resources associated with kinship caregiving
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work as a team member
- Excellent time management skills
Candidates should be customer service oriented. Computer and data entry skill as well as the ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite is also desired. Occasional travel required.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply09/30/2025Our University Community
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