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

AbilityFirst•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AbilityFirst is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best through person-centered programs that support individual choice, autonomy, community participation, social connection, and belonging. 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 services are individualized and aligned with participant 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 Program Director’s absence, this role is authorized to correct operational deficiencies that pose immediate threats to participants’ health and safety. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position based at the East Los Angeles Center in Los Angeles, California. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The role is a driver position, and driving is an essential job function. The listed salary range is $22.00–$24.00 per hour. The position involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, working in office or outdoor environments, and lifting up to 50 pounds at times. The employee may need to work evenings or weekends as needed and step into program ratios during staff shortages, which may involve assisting with diapering, toileting, or feeding. Employment is contingent upon required screening and clearance, including a TB test, Live Scan fingerprinting and background check, drug screening, required vaccinations, physical/fitness-for-duty clearance, and a satisfactory driving record. Employees working in day care facilities must meet the stated vaccination requirements. The position is subject to mandated reporter obligations. New employees serve an introductory period of three months, which may be extended; employment remains at-will.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Bilingual spoken and written Spanish and English.
Completion of 3 college units in administration, business management, or staff relations.
LIC Director Qualified in community center settings under Title 17/22 regulations.
At least 2 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 Live Scan background check.
Compliance with mandated reporter requirements.
For this driver position, provide a satisfactory driving record, a copy of a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; driving is an essential job function.
Complete required pre-employment TB testing, Live Scan fingerprinting/background check, drug screening, vaccinations, and physical/fitness-for-duty clearance.
Employees working in day care facilities must meet the stated vaccination requirements for Pertussis, Measles, and Influenza; annual proof of flu vaccination or an Employee Certification of Declining Vaccination is required.
Required vaccinations listed for candidates include Hepatitis B, TDaP, and MMR.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, marriage and family, recreation therapy, or a related field; or 12 ECE college units in a related field; or 4 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 and one-page descriptions.
Develop goals on an ongoing basis and document daily goal progress.
Update annual forms and documentation, including emergency contacts, consent forms, seizure plans, and personal rights records.
Serve as a liaison to Regional Center Service Coordinators and attend Individual Program Plan meetings.
Submit six-month progress reports and annual reports within required timelines.
Submit licensing waivers for appropriate participants aged 18–22 in ASP programs.
Prepare and provide participant-file audit documentation requested by regional centers.
Meet with each participant at least monthly to review goals, satisfaction, and placement.
Collaborate with community coaches to ensure participant goals are implemented in daily programming.
Facilitate support meetings with participants, their support teams, and people they invite.
Partner with program supervisors and directors to coordinate community outings and volunteer activities.
Update individual goal documentation monthly.
Represent AbilityFirst at resource fairs and engage with the public.
Identify, vet, and initiate volunteer opportunities aligned with participant interests and goals.
Coordinate with coaches and volunteers to support successful placements.
Assist with collecting quarterly family and participant surveys.
Enter and maintain participant data in ProCare, including enrollments, discharges, and demographic updates.
Maintain accurate and current records for internal tracking and billing.
Step into program ratios as needed during staff shortages, including assisting with personal care such as diapering, toileting, and feeding.
Complete training in person-centered planning, workers’ compensation protocols, opening and closing procedures, licensing compliance, and attendance or data management software.
Uphold mandated reporter responsibilities and help ensure participant safety and well-being.
Complete all required quarterly staff training and other duties assigned in support of the program and organization.
Provide required driving documentation, including a DMV driving record, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.