Resource Navigator I

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Resource Navigator plays a crucial role in connecting community members with essential services and resources. This position requires a highly organized and patient individual who can responsibly manage confidential client information, conduct thorough assessments, and assist with various applications and forms. Effective communication with a trauma-informed lens is key, as the navigator will act as an advocate and liaison between clients and community resources. This position is highly collaborative and requires flexibility. Bilingual English/Spanish required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding client information and comply with privacy standards.
• Act as a liaison between community members and community resources.
• Assist community members with screening and intake processes respectfully and accurately.
• Conduct initial assessments to understand clients’ needs and provide information about available resources.
• Help community members complete forms and applications for services such as public benefits or utility assistance.
• Document all referrals, including agency contacts and methods of referral, and follow up as appropriate.
• Enter client information into the database, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Complete required paperwork and report thoroughly and accurately within established timelines.
• Maintain and regularly update an office and cloud-based directory of local resources.
• Coordinate training presentations for staff from partner organizations about new resources available to community members.
• Assist in organizing, facilitating, and attending culturally and linguistically appropriate community outreach events and creating outreach materials.
• Participate in team meetings with NCO’s Case Management Unit to coordinate services for community members.
• Mobilize and assist community members in volunteering for program activities.
• Utilize dual language ability (English and Spanish) to provide optimal support and services for clients and staff.
• Provide assistance to all callers and visitors, directing them appropriately and providing information, referrals, or scheduling appointments as needed.
• Monitor the mail inbox; route or respond to emails as appropriate; accept mail, deliveries and route them as necessary.
• Assist with special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
• Act as a backup for the Administrative Coordinator as needed.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and conferences as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow NCO’s Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

Level I:

• High school diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate is required
• Experience providing direct services to families and children in a human service organization is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is required.

Level II: 

• An associates degree from an accredited school in Human Services, Business, Communications or another related field and two years’ experience providing direct services to community members is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
• Current Infant and Child CPR First Aid Certification or the completion of this requirement within three months of employment is required
• Experience working with individuals or families with low-income households is preferred.
• Group facilitation skills and experience is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• De-escalation techniques.
• Concept and practices of Trauma Informed Care.
• Local community resources related to children and families.
• Current standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Computer operations as relates to the duties of the position; position requires demonstrated proficiency in the use of cloud-based systems, word processing, email, and spreadsheet programs and the internet.

Ability to:

• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Engage and work effectively with parents and other adults as well as children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately verbally and in writing in English and Spanish is required.
• Organize duties and tasks to meet established deadlines, delegating tasks as appropriate.
• Take direction and work with supervisor to ensure priorities are correctly aligned and accomplished.
• Work a flexible schedule to accommodate attending scheduled works events and professional development opportunities.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly;
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note:  This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.