Community Navigator

CATHOLIC COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL CONCERNS INC•Des Moines, IA

15h

About The Position

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of others? Join the Catholic Charities team! For the last 100 years, we have had the distinct honor to provide help and hope for those in need. At Catholic Charities, our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families. We do this through our vital programs including a food pantry, counseling services, emergency family shelter, community resource coordination, and domestic violence and sexual assault programming. We care for the dignity of the person, regardless of background and strive to provide unparalleled support for those in need. The Community Navigator provides professional community navigation services to adults, adolescents, children and/or families at Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter (EFS) and Food Pantry (FP) with the goal of promoting individual and family stability and self-sufficiency. The Community Navigator provides professional case supervision, crisis de-escalation, and follow-up to clients. Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Resource Coordination,[BS1] this role works collaboratively with the shelter and food pantry staff, contributing to the development of the agency and related programs, while assisting with program tasks as needed. The Community Navigator works with community resource providers to build ongoing family support and attends continuum of care meetings to build community partnerships and strengthen community roots.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field; 1-2 years related job experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working in a shelter facility and knowledge of community social services preferred. Good knowledge and familiarity with needs and resources in the community. Knowledge of appropriate intervention techniques for working effectively with a variety of problems related to homelessness issues is required.
Solid knowledge of human and social service programs and practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond professionally to inquiries from clients, regulatory agencies, and members of the community.
Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people having diverse social concerns and problems, while maintaining personal boundaries.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively, including strong written, verbal, listening, and comprehension skills. Demonstrates good judgment and setting boundaries when handling various personalities, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and different personal practices or beliefs.
Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments while dealing with a constant influx of problems and interruptions.
Demonstrates initiative and creativity in the identification of solutions to problems.
Ability to effectively present information and respond professionally to inquiries from clients, community-based organizations, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software. Ability to learn program specific software applications.
Participate in routine on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays in rotation with Shelter Case Manager/ Program Manager as determined by the needs of the shelter.
Some travel may be required. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass Motor Vehicle Record check. Must provide own transportation, meeting auto insurance coverage requirements, with mileage reimbursement provided.
Ability to pass a criminal background screening, including Child and Dependent Adult Abuse registry check is required. Compliance with Safe Environment training and monthly bulletins.
Must maintain absolute confidentiality of information, written or verbal, according to policy and legal requirements.
Attend staff meetings, community meetings, approved seminars, agency trainings/retreats, and professional conferences.
Possess a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities including the understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and ability to demonstrate the philosophy and values of the agency. Employees are expected to support the Catholic Social Teaching principles in public forum. Fulfillment of the employee’s job responsibilities should be consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a shelter facility and knowledge of community social services preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform assessment of adults, children, and families within established guidelines through interviewing, record review, and other appropriate methods. Determine the necessary level of intervention by evaluating client data.
Develop, implement, and modify service plans with individuals, families and ancillary service providers. Maintain accurate and professional documentation in client files. Provide crisis intervention and supportive services to assist clients in reaching goals. Monitor and assess clients’ progress towards identified goals and make recommendations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in the HMIS data system (ServicePoint), including accurate data entry and live entry, understanding and correctly utilizing the assessment tools. Document clients’ contact information and progress to ensure program compliance and adherence to standards.
Work collaboratively with surrounding agencies to ensure smooth transitions, and provide open communication about current openings, barriers to care, and other resident needs.
Maintain working relationships with other community-based organizations for reasons of advocacy, education, resource development and public relations.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures as it pertains to case management.
Collect and aggregate data for statistical purposes.
Provide individualized support for families, meeting weekly/biweekly meetings while at EFS and at minimum monthly at the FP. Empower individuals to set goals, overcome barriers, and strive towards self-sufficiency by locating and accessing available resources and referrals for permanent housing, health care, education, employment, and childcare opportunities.
Connect clients with appropriate resources that will help them return to self-sufficiency.

Benefits

Competitive pay
35-hour workweek
Generous vacation and sick pay
14 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flex Spending Plans
Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
A supportive and uplifting working environment