Programs and Resource Navigator

Kids for the Future; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional development and training

Job summary

Wabash Center is seeking a Programs & Resource Navigator to serve as the primary contact for individuals with disabilities and their families, guiding them through complex disability service systems and coordinating referrals to resources and supports.

You will collaborate with healthcare providers, schools, and community partners to ensure timely access to services, educate families, and advocate for person-centered planning in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; GED or High School Diploma required.
• Direct support experience or work with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Indiana service systems, benefits and supports for families of individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to learn and use computer software applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Help navigate Medicaid Waiver applications, special education resources, disability benefits and other supports.
• Coordinate referrals and facilitate communication between participants and program staff.
• Maintain confidential records of interactions, progress, and recommendations.
• Build relationships with community partners and resources to expand access to services.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Assessment skills

Computer skills

Disability services knowledge

Navigating Indiana services

Empathy

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred; GED or High School Diploma required

Job description

• Base Pay $52,000.00 - $56,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Nonprofit & Community Services, Social Services, Disability Services
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Employee Type FT Regular
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Since 1953, Wabash Center has been a leader in optimizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and special needs. With a long history of innovation and a commitment to person-centered care, Wabash Center offers a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to meet the evolving needs of children, adults, and families throughout the community. Through a progressive approach, decades of experience, and a proven track record of service excellence, Wabash Center remains at the forefront of disability services by connecting individuals with meaningful resources, fostering independence, strengthening community partnerships, and empowering those it serves to achieve their personal goals and improve their overall quality of life.

Position Summary

The Programs & Resource Navigator serves as the primary point of contact between individuals with disabilities, individuals with special needs, their families, caregivers, community partners, and Wabash Center program staff to ensure a seamless, supportive, and person-centered experience. This position is responsible for helping individuals and families navigate complex disability service systems, identifying available resources, providing education and advocacy, coordinating referrals, facilitating communication, and connecting participants with Wabash Center programs and external community services that best meet their individualized needs and goals.

Working collaboratively with internal staff, healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and government agencies, the Programs & Resource Navigator builds lasting relationships while ensuring individuals receive timely access to services, accurate information, and ongoing support throughout their journey. The position also serves as an ambassador for Wabash Center by conducting outreach, educating the community about available services, and maintaining strong partnerships that expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with individuals, families, caregivers, guardians, and community stakeholders to identify immediate and long-term needs while promoting person-centered planning.
• Guide individuals and families through complex local, state, and federal service systems, including Medicaid Waiver applications, special education resources, disability benefits, affiliate organizations, and other available support programs, ensuring families understand eligibility requirements, application processes, timelines, and available options.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to build relationships with community organizations and
  resources, while providing education and advocacy to raise awareness about Wabash Center services.
• Maintain complete and accurate confidential records of family interactions, progress and status, program and
  service recommendations, and resources provided.
• Collaborate with Wabash Center staff and community partners to maintain accurate and up-to-date
  knowledge of resources and services.
• Build and maintain a library of supplemental and complementary contacts and resources to aid individuals
  and families in the navigation of a variety of unique or challenging circumstances.

At Wabash Center, our employees are the foundation of our mission. We are committed to supporting our team members with competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families every day.

Wabash Center offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunities for career advancement within a mission-driven organization

Join a team that has been improving lives since 1953. At Wabash Center, your work makes a lasting difference by helping individuals and families access the services, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Requirements

• Related Bachelor's degree preferred; GED or High School Diploma required.
• Personal or work experience in direct support service and/or working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Knowledge of, and willingness to learn, Indiana service systems, benefits, and supports available to families of children and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize computer software applications to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to quickly assess and evaluate individual and family needs.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and apply information from general procedures, instructions, data, and other written materials.