Community Navigator (Full-Time) [Mon-Fri (9AM-6PM)] [East LA]

AbilityFirst•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Navigator provides person-centered planning, case management, intake coordination, and community engagement services for participants. The role collaborates with program staff, Regional Center service coordinators, and families to ensure individualized services align with participants’ goals. In licensed programs, the Community Navigator must be Director Qualified under community care licensing regulations and supports documentation, goal planning, program integration, and community outreach. In the absence of the Program Director, the Community Navigator is authorized to address operational deficiencies that pose immediate threats to participant health and safety. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at AbilityFirst’s East Los Angeles Center. It is non-exempt and requires driving. The stated salary range is $22.00–$24.00 per hour. The role includes required training, mandated reporting responsibilities, and may require stepping into program ratios during staff shortages, including assisting with personal care. Evening and weekend work may be needed. AbilityFirst supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through person-centered programs focused on individual choice, autonomy, community participation, social connection, and belonging.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written Spanish and English.
Completion of three college units in administration, business management, or staff relations.
LIC Director Qualified in community center settings under Title 17/22 regulations.
At least two years of experience in developmental disability services, case management, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management tools.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Successful completion of a LiveScan background check.
Successful completion of required TB testing, drug screening, required vaccinations (Hepatitis B, TDaP, and MMR), and physical/fitness-for-duty clearance.
Provide a satisfactory driving record; a copy of the driver’s license and proof of insurance are also required.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer, adapt to office and outdoor environments, and lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, marriage and family studies, recreation therapy, or a related field; or 12 ECE college units in a related field; or four or more years of equivalent experience in developmental disability services, case management, or a related field.
Familiarity with Regional Center processes, reports, and compliance.
Strong understanding of person-centered practices, goal setting, and community integration.

Responsibilities

Attend the required two-day Person-Centered Thinking training.
Conduct screenings, phone calls, and intake meetings as the first level of the intake process.
Prepare person-centered documentation, including 30-day reports, annual assessments, progress reports, and exit reports.
Develop and implement Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) and one-page descriptions.
Develop goals and document daily progress toward goals.
Update annual forms and documentation, including emergency contacts, consent forms, seizure plans, and personal rights information.
Serve as a liaison to Regional Center Service Coordinators and attend Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings.
Submit progress reports every six months and annual reports as required, including reports during participants’ birth-date months.
Submit licensing waivers for appropriate program participants in the 18–22 age group in ASP programs.
Prepare requested audit documentation related to participant files for Regional Centers.
Meet with each participant at least monthly to review goals, satisfaction, and placement.
Collaborate with community coaches to support implementation of goals in daily programming.
Facilitate support meetings with participants, their support teams, and people they invite.
Coordinate community outings and volunteer activities with program supervisors and directors.
Update individual goal documentation monthly.
Represent AbilityFirst at resource fairs and engage with the public.
Identify, vet, and initiate volunteer opportunities aligned with participants’ interests and goals.
Coordinate with coaches and volunteers to support successful placements.
Assist with collecting quarterly family and participant surveys.
Enter and maintain participant information in ProCare, including enrollments, discharges, and demographic updates.
Maintain accurate records for internal tracking and billing.
Step into program ratios when needed during staff shortages; this is not planned daily ratio coverage and may involve diapering, toileting, and feeding assistance.
Receive training in PCP, workers’ compensation protocols, opening and closing procedures, licensing compliance for licensed programs, and attendance and/or data management software.
Fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities to help ensure participant safety and well-being.
Complete required quarterly staff training and other duties assigned in support of the program and organization’s mission.
Work evenings and weekends as needed.
Provide a driving record, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; maintain a satisfactory driving record for this driver position.