Family Navigator

Black Hawk County (IA); Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Hawk County (IA) is seeking a Family Navigator to serve as the primary contact for families in the Thrive Initiative and related programs. You will provide navigation, advocacy, and support across care systems to move families from crisis to stability.

Responsibilities include intake, action-plan development, resource connection, and collaboration with partners. Strong communication, documentation, and knowledge of confidentiality rules are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Community Health or related field required.
• 2+ years of experience in case management, human services, social work, or related field.
• Knowledge of community resources and confidentiality regulations.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with case management software and other computer software applications.
• Must maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with the public and co-workers.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to the program area.
• Availability for off-hour and/or weekend activities and overtime when needed.
• Requires a valid Iowa Driver’s License; occasional use of private vehicles may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct family intake, eligibility screening, and assessments; obtain necessary consents.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized family action plans.
• Provide ongoing case navigation, encouragement, and crisis support to families.
• Connect families with appropriate community resources (child welfare, schools, healthcare, housing, employment, faith-based supports).
• Collaborate with partner agencies and attend family support meetings, court hearings, and team decision-making sessions.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of assessments, case notes, and outcomes in the data system.
• Track and report family progress across 13 social determinants of health.
• Ensure confidentiality compliance (HIPAA, FERPA, COPPA) and program standards.
• Participate in alliance meetings, trainings, and fidelity activities.
• Contribute to program evaluation with outcome data and quality improvement feedback.
• Attend required trainings and ongoing professional development; engage in supervision and team meetings.
• Represent the local health department consistent with agency priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Organizational skills

Case management software

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Under general supervision the Family Navigator serves as the primary point of contact for families engaged in the Thrive Initiative and other assigned programs. This role helps families move from crisis to stability by providing navigation, advocacy, and support across multiple systems of care. The Family Navigator connects families to appropriate resources, collaborates with community partners, and documents progress using the HopeHub case management system.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks.
• Conduct family intake, eligibility screening, and assessments; obtain necessary consents.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized family action plans.
• Provide ongoing case navigation, encouragement, and crisis support to families.
• Connect families with appropriate community resources, including child welfare, schools, healthcare, housing, employment, and faith-based supports.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and attend family support meetings, court hearings, and team decision-making sessions as required.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of assessments, case notes, and outcomes in the data system.
• Track and report family progress across 13 social determinants of health.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality laws (HIPAA, FERPA, COPPA) and program standards.
• Participate in alliance meetings, trainings, and other activities to ensure fidelity to the Restore Hope Model.
• Contribute to program evaluation by providing outcome data, success stories, and quality improvement feedback.
• Attend required trainings and ongoing professional development to strengthen skills in case management and motivational interviewing.
• Engage in regular supervision and team meetings to support effective service delivery and staff collaboration.
• Represents the local health department consistent with agency priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

• Functional and administrative supervision is received from the Program Supervisor and Community Health Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

• No supervision is exercised.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Community Health or related field required.
• At least two years of experience in case management, human services, social work, or related field.
• Knowledge of community resources and confidentiality regulations.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with case management software and other computer software applications.
• Must maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships with members of the public and co-workers.
• Must be knowledgeable of community resources and healthcare provider network.
• Must be knowledgeable of local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they apply to the program area.
• Must be available for off-hour and/or weekend activities and overtime if needed.
• Requires a valid Iowa Driver’s License and is insurable under the County’s guidelines. The position may require the occasional use of private vehicles for official business.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May require additional certification as necessary.
• Maintains required continuing education credits necessary to perform essential job functions.

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

• Position may require the occasional exposure to undesirable conditions which may include heat, cold, and filthy environments.
• Occasional lift or move up to 30 lbs.