Family Support Service Navigator I

UCP of Western Massachusetts; Amherst (MA); Remote; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Service Navigator I to support families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. This role involves managing budgets, creating care plans, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field and experience in human services. Responsibilities include coordinating member activities, maintaining records, and providing direct services as needed. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in a related human services field.
• Ability to maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Administer various contracts and manage budgets.
• Create and implement Plans of Care for members.
• Maintain accurate records of all services and contacts.

Skills

Effective listening

Planning

Problem solving

Communication

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Office 365

Zoom

Job description

PIONEER VALLEY FAMILY SUPPORT Service Navigator I

Position Description

The Pioneer Valley Family Support Service Navigator I will administer the UCP’s DDS Agency with Choice, CBDS, CIES, IFFS, and DESE contracts. Responsibilities include budgeting, navigation, Plans of Care, member schedules, life skills development, and Charting the Life Course in compliance with the respective contracts’ regulations and guidelines. The goal of this role is to provide support, information and resources and navigation of the systems of care to families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

Specific Job Duties

• Under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Family Support, develop and manage budgets for Agency with Choice, CBDS, CIES, IFFS, and DESE members.
• Create and implement Plans of Care for each program member.
• Schedule and coordinate member activities.
• Attend IEP/ISP (Individual Support Plan) meetings to discuss member goals and progress and address individual needs.
• Maintain accurate records of all services and contacts.
• Document interactions and updates in HCSIS (Home and Community Services Information System).
• Conduct monthly performance quality improvement program audits and take required action if needed
• Maintain contact with families and members as determined by assigned contract units of service and ensure their needs are being met.
• Maintain up-to-date caseload files and records of all contacts and services delivered and ensure the member binders are up to date.
• Maintain all records for the program and complete care management progress notes as required.
• Submit paperwork as requested to meet program requirements.
• Provide timely assistance and respond to urgent or emergency needs of the members.
• Report to the supervisor and participate in investigations of situations which in any way jeopardizes a member’s dignity, human rights and/or the agency.
• Provide direct service to meet member’s needs in the absence of staff coverage.
• Provide transportation, as needed for members.
• Provide CPR and first aid to staff and members in the event of an emergency.
  
  
  

General Job Duties

• Perform all job functions in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the organization.
• Comply with all state and federal regulations as well as agency policy and procedures including but not limited to incident management, health and safety, security, professional boundaries, HIPAA/confidentiality, human rights, and mandated reporting.
• Understand all objectives and outcomes specific to the assigned department or program.
• Ensure all documentation is timely, thorough, and accurate.
• Positively represent UCP within the community and work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agency staff, school personnel and other human service and rehabilitation agencies to promote collaborative and effective assistance for members.
• Function as a member of the UCP interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain cooperative, positive, and professional communications with other UCP employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and professional workspace.
• Participate in conferences and other in-service training as requested.
• Incorporate sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, linguistic, disability and gender needs into daily practices and interactions.
• Perform any other job appropriate and emergency duties as assigned by Director of Pioneer Valley Services, Senior Director of Program Operations and/or Chief Executive Officer.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years’ experience in related human services field, ideally providing program services with the relevant population.
• Analyzing data, effective listening, facilitating meetings, monitoring activities, planning and problem solving.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate activities and behaviors, technical writing, defining issues and drawing conclusions, treatment modalities and assessments.
• Knowledge of local community resources and community-based providers and programming.
• Ability to maintain an Adult/Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
• Ability to set up and maintain a home office.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet the needs of members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Office 365-word processing, email and database skills and remote applications such as Zoom.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team and positively represent UCP management.
• Ability to demonstrate a conscientious and caring attitude.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally based on the needs of the audience.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize and meet deadlines with minimal direction.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy and show cultural competence.
• A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and the availability of a private vehicle
• Satisfactory CORI, SORI, DPPC, National Fingerprint background checks.
  
  
  

Physical Demands

The Pioneer Valley Service Navigator typically conducts administrative work in a home (remote) office setting and works with members in homes or other community settings. The position involves various physical tasks. The role requires extended periods of sitting while working at a computer or desk, as well as frequent typing and computer use for data entry, communication, and program planning. Clear communication with staff, families, and stakeholders during meetings and phone calls is essential, which involves talking and listening. Occasional travel may be necessary to attend meetings, conferences, or to see members or caregivers in the community and frequent driving distances of less than an hour and occasionally greater than an hour.

During events, meetings, and activities, the role requires standing and walking for extended periods, as well as occasionally lifting and carrying materials such as event supplies, activity equipment, or documents (typically not heavy). Providing physical assistance to members with disabilities may involve supporting or transferring individuals. The role demands flexibility to adapt to various physical tasks, from desk work to active participation in programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Supervision

This position is supervised by the Assistant Director of Pioneer Valley Services. In their absence, the position will be supervised by the Director of Pioneer Valley Services.

Position Status

The position is a non-exempt position.