Community Services Navigator / Gerontologist

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six-week PTO

13 paid holidays

Professional development funds

401K with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision

Mileage reimbursement

Free parking

Job summary

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging seeks a Navigator to work with the interdisciplinary team, coordinating comprehensive, person-centered care for older adults receiving home health and community-based services under supervision.

This entry-level position emphasizes gerontology knowledge, connection to services, patient and family education, HIPAA-compliant documentation, and collaboration with physicians and care teams; occasional travel within the service area is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology or closely related field.
• 0–2 years in elder care, home health, social services, case management, or related settings (internships/practicum acceptable).
• No independent licensure required to perform Navigator duties; tasks under supervision.
• CPR/First Aid; valid driver’s license and ability to travel within service area (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Supports intake and evaluation of needs determinations for older adults and individuals with disabilities in home health and community settings under supervision.
• Support implementation of individualized care plans within the care team.
• Research & collaborate on service options across disciplines (nursing, therapy, social work, home health aides, DME, transportation, meal programs, community resources).
• Connect clients with WRAAA programs and other community resources (information and assistance, caregiver support, nutrition services, transportation).
• Schedule and track visits, follow-ups, and transitions of care; elevate changes to the supervising licensed professional as needed.
• Provide patient and family resources and education on disease management, medication adherence, safety, and available resources.
• Document activities and observations in the electronic health record (EHR); ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, payers, and care team members; participate in care conferences.
• Identify safety concerns and barriers to care; coordinate timely mitigation strategies under supervision.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local resources, eligibility criteria, and home health benefits.
• Support reporting, quality improvement initiatives, and performance metrics as directed.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Assessment

Empathy

Gerontology

EHR

Independence

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology

Tools

EHR software

Job description

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging!

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging!

Our Mission:

We provide choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.

About Us:

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties. It is one of twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network. The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioan's to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Candidates we love...

• Self-motivated and compassionate individuals looking to be part of a Best-in Class organization
• Team players who are committed to providing superior service to all they serve
• Enthusiastic professionals excited to grow with an organization that values dedication, innovation and collaboration.

What Our Staff Loves About Us...

• A Competitive Salary
• A generous six-week PTO program with thirteen paid holidays
• A $ 750.00 investment in professional development through a substantial, annual training funds allotment
• A 401K program with a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits options
• Mileage reimbursement
• Free parking and so much more...

Position Overview

The Navigator supports the interdisciplinary team under supervision of a licensed professional to coordinate comprehensive, person-centered care for older adults receiving home health and community-based services. This entry-level role leverages gerontology knowledge to evaluate needs, connect clients with appropriate services (including WRAAA programs), educate patients and families, and monitor progress toward aging-in-place goals.

Job Duties

• Supports intake and evaluation of needs determinations for older adults and individuals with disabilities in home health and community settings under supervision.
• Support implementation of individualized care plans within the care team.
• Research & collaborate on service options across disciplines (nursing, therapy, social work, home health aides, DME, transportation, meal programs, and community resources).
• Connect clients with WRAAA programs and other community resources (information and assistance, caregiver support, nutrition services, transportation, etc.).
• Schedule and track visits, follow-ups, and transitions of care; elevate changes to the supervising licensed professional as needed.
• Provide patient and family resources and education on disease management, medication adherence, safety, and available resources.
• Document activities and observations in the electronic health record (EHR); ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, payers, and care team members; participate in care conferences.
• Identify safety concerns and barriers to care; coordinate timely mitigation strategies under supervision.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local resources, eligibility criteria, and home health benefits.
• Support reporting, quality improvement initiatives, and performance metrics as directed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology or a closely related field (new graduates encouraged to apply).
• Experience: 0–2 years in elder care, home health, social services, case management, or related settings (internships or practicum in gerontology acceptable).
• Licensure/Certification: No independent licensure required to perform Navigator duties; clinical tasks performed under supervision.
• Certifications (preferred): CPR/First Aid; valid driver’s license and ability to travel within service area.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; patient- and family-centered approach
• Assessment, organizational, and time-management abilities
• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work with diverse older adult populations
• Basic knowledge of gerontology concepts and aging-in-place strategies
• Proficiency with EHR and common software/tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
• Basic problem-solving and prioritization skills

Work Environment and Travel

• Setting: Home health visits and community-based settings; variable home environments
• Schedule: Typical daytime hours; occasional evenings/weekends; on-call rotation as assigned
• Travel: Regular travel within the service area; reliable transportation required

The Agency is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all. Employment decisions are based on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. The Agency does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability status, health status, genetic information or ancestry, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy covers all aspects of employment practices, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training