Family Support Navigator

Charles River Center; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Center is seeking a Family Support Service Navigator to oversee operation of Family Support Centers and assist families in accessing community supports. The role emphasizes collaboration with agencies and schools, home visits, and development of support plans for individuals with disabilities and their families.

The Navigator will promote inclusion, gather data to evaluate outcomes, coordinate workshops, and supervise respite workers while ensuring compliance with regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Education/Special Education, Social Work, or Psychology) with at least 1 year of human services or education experience.
• Excellent written and spoken English; strong organizational and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain positive work relationships with program participants and community partners.
• Conduct home visits to assess needs and develop support plans.
• Promote Positive Behavioral Supports and ensure program compliance with DDS and other agencies.
• Develop community inclusion options for educational or recreational activities.
• Recruit, train, and supervise respite workers and direct care staff.
• Provide direct care support to participants as needed and advocate for rights.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Teamwork

Dependability

Communication

Planning/Organization

Public speaking

Data collection

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Special Education, Social Work, or Psychology

Tools

Microsoft applications

Job description

Position OverviewThe Family Support Service Navigator will oversee the efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the Family Support Centers. The Service Navigator will assist families associated with the center to access quality community supports. This role is a resource to families, working cooperatively with agencies and community members to achieve program goals that support all aspects of the family, including the individual with disabilities, their parents, and their siblings.ESSENTIAL PROGRAM DUTIES(Other duties may be assigned)Maintain positive work relationships with Charles River Center employees, individuals, families, referral agencies, and other community members to ensure satisfaction with program operations.Conduct home visits with families to assess needs and develop support plans.Demonstrate effective use of Positive Behavioral Supports.Complete all necessary paperwork related to the Family Support Center, Respite, Financial Assistance, Companion, and other group services.Develop community inclusion options for participants (educational and/or recreational interest activities).Assist in public relations and marketing efforts for the Family Support Program.Promote a positive image for the program, agency, and families.Assist with goal development and data collection to evaluate program needs and goal outcomes.Facilitate FSC activities, including arranging Parent Workshops, running support groups, and conducting outreach activities.Develop and maintain relationships with school systems.Recruit, train, and supervise respite workers, companions, individual home support workers, and other direct care staff per agency policy.Provide direct care and supervision for program participants with special needs during Family Support programs. This may include toileting, diapering, clothing changes, washing, and feeding meals.Act as a role model to staff, volunteers, and participants by displaying appropriate dress, language, and character skills.Advocate for individuals' human and legal rights while using effective advocacy strategies to overcome challenges.Attend required in-services and trainings to enhance skills and share knowledge.Ensure compliance with standards, regulations, and requirements set by the Department of Developmental Services and other agencies.Participate in fundraising/family support events, such as the “Ellie Bloom Olympics,” the Gala, the 5K, and others.Assist families in accessing entitlements and demonstrate proficiency in programs such as DDS eligibility, SNAP, Social Security, MassHealth, ARICA, guardianship, home modification programs, and PCA programs.Administer stipends to families, ensuring expenditures are allowable and within allocation limits.Provide short- and extended-term navigation support to families and maintain required documentation.REQUIRED SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIESInterpersonal Skills: Build positive relationships at all levels, enhancing understanding and communication.Teamwork/Cooperation: Work effectively with team members and management to achieve agency goals.Dependability: Follow through with thoroughness and accuracy; reliable and consistent.Communication: Present information clearly through oral and written means; listen actively.Planning/Organization: Prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing conditions.Responsibility: Follow company policies and procedures in all business interactions.Attendance: Adhere to program schedules and required meetings/trainings.Initiative: Demonstrate self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and proactive planning.Management: Support and enforce agency policies, leading by example.Data Collection: Gather, compile, and report information accurately and on time.Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Special Education, Social Work, or Psychology preferred (three years of human service work may substitute for formal education).At least one year of experience in human services or education.Strong organizational, written/oral communication, and computer skills.Commitment to the dignity and worth of individuals with disabilities.Completion of state and agency-mandated training:First Aid/CPR Certification (within first month of employment)Safety Care/Legal Certificate (within first six months)DPPC/Fire Safety/Human Rights/Universal Precautions Certificate (upon hire)CORE Curriculum (within first three months)Knowledge of Normalization and Community Inclusion principles.Working knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports preferred.Must authorize a Criminal History Background Check (CORI) and release information from DPPC, DDS, and other agencies.Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.Proficiency in Microsoft applications.LANGUAGE SKILLSMust be fluent in English with the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.Ability to write advanced reports and correspondence.Effective communication skills for working with individuals, families, employees, and community members.Strong public speaking skills for presenting information in small groups or one-on-one settings.PHYSICAL DEMANDS(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)Significant endurance required to meet the physical demands of the job.Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.Frequent use of hands/fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls.Must frequently generate the force to maneuver up to 100 pounds (assistance will be provided).Ability to lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist and 10-15 pounds from waist to overhead.REASONING ABILITYAbility to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.