Resource Navigator

The Hub Whitley County Resource Center; Columbia City (IN); Presencial; USD 22.000 - 39.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Hub Whitley County Resource Center is seeking a Community Resource Navigator to connect individuals and families with services, assess needs, and guide them through available resources.

You will coordinate referrals, maintain a resource directory with partners, and support outreach efforts to improve access to services across Whitley County. Emphasis is on confidentiality, collaboration, and compassionate service.

Formación

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Community Development, or related field preferred.
• Experience serving individuals, families, or communities is valued and may be considered as important as formal education.
• Commitment to serving others and strengthening communities is essential.

Responsabilidades

• Provide information, referrals, and follow-up to help clients identify needs and access resources.
• Assist with completing applications, scheduling appointments, and navigating systems as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of resources, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and agencies in Whitley County.
• Promote awareness of resources through outreach and community engagement.
• Track referrals and outcomes to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.

Conocimientos

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Organization

Time management

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Tech literacy

Social media

Resource knowledge

Educación

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Community Development, or related field

Descripción del empleo

Community Resource Navigator – Job Description Template

Reports To: Advisory Board

Position Summary

The Community Resource Navigator serves as the primary point of connection for individuals and families seeking assistance through the Whitley County Resource Hub ("The Hub").

The Navigator provides information, support, referrals, and follow-up assistance to help individuals identify needs, access available resources, and navigate complex systems. The Navigator works collaboratively with community organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, faith communities, and other partners to strengthen access to services and improve outcomes for individuals and families.

The Navigator supports The Hub's mission to help people achieve stability through life's challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resource Navigation and Support

• Serve as a welcoming and accessible first point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance.
• Conduct needs assessments and assist individuals in identifying goals, priorities, and available resources.
• Provide information, referrals, and assistance accessing community programs and services.
• Assist with completing applications, scheduling appointments, and navigating systems as needed.
• Provide prompt and professional follow-up to phone calls, emails, referrals, and client inquiries to ensure timely access to services and support.
• Assist individuals and families in addressing barriers to services and support efforts to identify and reduce gaps in access to community resources.
• Encourage self‑advocacy and informed decision‑making.

Community Resource Coordination

• Maintain knowledge of available community resources, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, faith communities, businesses, and public agencies.
• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive community resource directory, working collaboratively with partners including the Whitley County Community Foundation and Whitley County Health Department toward the long-term development of a shared countywide resource directory.
• Participate in regular community partnership meetings, including CHAMPS and other collaborative initiatives, to strengthen relationships, coordinate services, and improve access to resources.
• Identify service gaps and barriers experienced by residents.
• Analyze referral, utilization, and community engagement data to identify trends, emerging needs, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide recommendations to Hub leadership, governing bodies, and community partners regarding emerging community needs, barriers to access, and opportunities for system improvement.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities as appropriate.

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Promote awareness of The Hub and available resources throughout the community.
• Participate in community events, resource fairs, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Build trust with community members and stakeholders.
• Maintain an active community presence by balancing scheduled office hours with outreach and engagement activities throughout Whitley County.
• Assist with social media content, community awareness campaigns, success stories, resource promotion, and other communication efforts that increase visibility of The Hub and available services.

Office Operations, Documentation and Program Evaluation

• Maintain regular office hours in coordination with the Whitley County Health Department and other designated community partners.
• Maintain confidential records and documentation in accordance with organizational policies.
• Track referrals, resource utilization, outcomes, and follow-up activities.
• Assist with grant reporting and program evaluation efforts.
• Utilize data and community feedback to support continuous quality improvement efforts and strategic planning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Community Development, or a related field preferred. Candidates with equivalent combinations of relevant employment experience, volunteer service, community leadership, and lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given equal consideration.
• Demonstrated experience serving, supporting, or engaging individuals, families, or communities is highly valued and may be considered as important as formal education.
• A genuine commitment to serving others, strengthening communities, and helping individuals access resources and opportunities is essential.
• Experience working with individuals and families facing social, economic, health, or community challenges preferred.
• Candidates should be able to provide strong professional and/or personal references that demonstrate integrity, reliability, professionalism, and commitment to service.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations, utilizing conflict resolution and de‑escalation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, data entry systems, and other technology used for documentation and communication.
• Comfort using social media and digital communication tools to promote resources and community awareness.
• Knowledge of local and regional resources, or the ability to quickly develop and maintain that knowledge.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass applicable background checks.

Core Competencies

• Reliability
• Accountability

The Community Resource Navigator serves as a connector and facilitator. The Navigator provides information, referrals, and navigation support but does not provide legal, clinical, or professional advice, determine eligibility for external services, or guarantee service availability.

The Navigator maintains the confidentiality of participant information while adhering to mandatory reporting requirements, safety protocols, and organizational policies. The

Navigator follows established procedures for emergency situations and facilitates referrals to appropriate crisis, healthcare, legal, or emergency services when needed.

Measures of Success

• Individuals and families served.
• Successful referrals and resource connections.
• Timeliness of response and follow-up.
• Community partner engagement.
• Resource directory accuracy.
• Participant satisfaction and feedback.
• Identification of service gaps and community needs.
• Compliance with documentation and reporting requirements.