Family Navigator- Family Supports

Advocates; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Framingham, MA is seeking a Family Navigator II to support families of individuals with developmental disabilities or autism in home and community settings. Starting rate is $26.75-$27.25 per hour, with DDS-funded supports to families.

You will develop person-centered goals, coordinate information and referral, and facilitate mentoring programs, life skills, and flexible funding administration.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in social services or associate’s degree or High School Diploma and at least 2 years’ experience working in community human services or lived experience navigating complex community health and human services for individuals living with Intellectual/Developmental Disability or Autism.
• 2 years of community human service experience working with individuals and their families living with an Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities or Autism.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Family Support Plan and Expenditure Plans addressing independent living, education, social, and clinical needs.
• Assist in developing and implementing an adult mentoring program.
• Identify and leverage community resources to support needs.
• Navigate public assistance systems for benefits and resources.
• Organize and staff social and recreational events for families.
• Provide training to families on benefits, IEPs, guardianship, and planning for the future.
• Provide skills training in ADL, independence, behavioral and community integration.

Education

High School Diploma/GED

BA/BS in social services

Associate’s degree

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $26.75-$27.25

The Family Navigator II, with the DDS funded, Dese Moms Network, provides support to families of individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism living at home in the community.

Family Navigators are responsible for developing and implementing person-centered goals. They partner with individuals and their caregivers to support information and referral, service navigation, social and recreational activities, family training, facilitating mentoring programs, life skills acquisition, and/or the administration of flexible funding. Navigators actively work with individuals and their caregivers in their homes and their local communities.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’rea nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Work with families to develop and implement a Family Support Plan and Expenditure Plans in response to identified needs including, but not limited to, independent living skills, educational/vocational, social recreation behavioral, and all clinical needs.
• Assist in developing and implementing an adult mentoring program for individuals living with disabilities and/or their caregivers.
• Knowledgeable of community resources to support individual and/or caregiver needs.
• Assist families in navigating public assistance systems for benefits and other resources available to families.
• Organize and staff social and recreational events and programs for families.
• Provide training to families on public benefits and entitlements; understanding basic educational rights and the Individual Education Plan (IEP); transition from high school; guardianship and other options; planning for the future; sibling workshops; and other relevant such as treatment modalities as identified by Center staff, families, and individuals, and DDS area office.
• Provide skills training and support to individuals in areas including Activities of Daily Living (ADL), independence, behavioral treatment plans, community integration activities, pre-vocational skills, communication, socialization, health care and safety skills.
• Provide support and services to those family members as identified by DDS Service Coordinator and Advocates Program Director/Supervisor.
• Maintain productive internal and external communication with staff, management, collateral contacts, and family members.
• Remain current and knowledgeable in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities and stay informed about the needs of the families/caregivers and individuals served.
• Assist with the organization of activities and facilitate activities as needed.
• Attend trainings as assigned; maintain necessary certifications (CPR, First Aid, Safety Care)
• Attend and actively participate in supervision and staff meetings.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in social services or associate’s degree or High School Diploma and at least 2 years’ experience working in community human services or lived experience navigating complex community health and human services for individuals living with Intellectual/Developmental Disability or Autism.
• 2 years of community human service experience working with individuals and their families living with an Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities or Autism

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.