Child Service Navigator

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN INC • Boston, MA

4d • $78,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. We help their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children. As an integral member of Horizons for Homeless Children's instructional leadership team, the Child Service Navigator plays a critical role in supporting families of infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who demonstrate developmental delays or who are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. This position ensures timely access to services through the Massachusetts Early Intervention System (Part C of IDEA) and supports families of children transitioning into or already receiving Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services (Part B of IDEA). In addition, the Child Service Navigator maintains continuity of care by following children as they exit Early Intervention services and partnering with families to navigate and access appropriate supports as children transition into preschool-aged services (IEP). This role promotes inclusive education, builds trusting relationships with families, and serves as a bridge between families and complex educational, medical, and social systems. The Navigator also ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, including those from EEC, DESE, ACF, BFEN, and Chapter 766.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or a related field is required.
• Must have completed at least one course in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with children with special needs or developmental delays.
• Familiarity with IDEA (Part B and C), Massachusetts Chapter 766, and public-school special education procedures.
• Experience with data systems, spreadsheets (Excel), and tracking tools required.
• Strong understanding of child development, including typical and atypical patterns.
• Knowledge of EI and ECSE processes, including eligibility standards, IFSP/IEP development, and transition planning.
• Monitor the delivery of services to ensure that the IFSP/IEP services are provided and provided in a timely manner.
• Ability to interpret educational and clinical evaluations, IFSP/IEP’s and translate findings into meaningful language to ensure parent/caregiver understanding
• Culturally competent with sensitivity to families’ diverse experiences and needs.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Dedicated to Horizons’ mission and embodies core values (Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate).
• Demonstrates core competencies that are critical to success across Horizons (Communication, Collaboration, Cultural Competency, Growth Mindset, and Mission-Driven Excellence).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Early Intervention case management or service coordination preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk populations and/or families experiencing homelessness is highly desirable.
• Bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families navigating the early intervention (EI), early childhood special education (ECSE), medical or social service systems
• Build supportive, empathetic relationships and help families identify concerns, goals, and strengths
• Educate families on child developmental milestones, disabilities, and their rights under IDEA Part B and Part C, ensuring families are informed and active participants in the process
• Support families in understanding EI/ECSE assessments, the IFSP/IEP process, and advocating for services.
• Facilitate referrals to EI, ECSE, and related services in partnership with families, ensuring timely access
• Support eligibility determination and continuity of care across systems
• Participate in IEP and IFSP meetings, ensuring interdisciplinary planning and family-centered approaches
• Monitor service delivery to ensure services are provided appropriately and on time
• Ensure adherence to IDEA (Part B & C), Chapter 766, and related regulations
• Uphold procedural safeguards and family rights throughout service delivery
• Track required timelines (e.g., referral-to-eligibility benchmarks) and ensure compliance
• Maintain accurate records in QuickBase and other systems
• Track referrals, services, outcomes, timelines, and developmental progress
• Identify and document barriers to service access and support resolution
• Provide training and coaching to staff and families on EI/ECSE systems and incorporating inclusive practices
• Educate internal staff on child development, referral processes, and inclusion strategies
• Promote family-centered and inclusive approaches across programs
• Develop relationships with early childhood providers, schools, and service agencies
• Collaborate internally with Horizons’ educators, family coaching specialists and externally with partners, to promote inclusive practices.
• Serve as a bridge between families and external systems (education, medical, social services)
• Support transitions from EI to preschool special education services
• Ensure continuity of care as children move across service systems
• Guide families through long-term service pathways and planning
• Track critical timelines related to the EI/ECSE process to help families stay on track
• Ensure timelines under part C of IDEA (such as the 45-day referral to eligibility period) are being met
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with agency policies using Horizon’s electronic QuickBase data collection system
• Track EI and special education referrals, services received, outcomes, and timelines (e.g., 45-day eligibility period).
• Monitor IFSP/IEP timelines, developmental screenings, accommodations, and child progress.
• Identify and document barriers to service access and support families in resolving them.
• Track and support transitions from EI to early childhood special education.

Benefits

• Health coverage options designed to be as comprehensive and affordable for you as possible, with Horizons covering between 70-75% of premiums (a value that ranges from an additional $10,000 –30,000 per year based on your enrollment choices).
• Choice between an HMO and PPO plan for medical coverage.
• Most employees pay $117.77 for individual, $235.54 for 2-person, or $370.44 for family coverage per biweekly paycheck.
• Never pay more than $300 for individual or $600 for 2-person/family toward deductibles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager