Community Supports Navigator- Bilingual - Adult and/or Children

Ascentria Care Alliance Careers•Worcester, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Supports Navigator provides support, assistance, and instruction to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who live independently or at home with a legal guardian. The role helps individuals develop independence, achieve the goals in their Individual Support Plan (ISP), and maintain community living. Support may include apartment maintenance, money management, medical appointments, advocacy, meal preparation and nutrition, socialization, crisis intervention, and skill acquisition. The position also includes quality documentation, corporate representative-payee responsibilities, and may include surrogacy supports. The Navigator creates and implements ISPs, behavior plans, medication treatment plans, assessments, and other required documentation within designated time frames. The role provides case management and practical instruction in activities of daily living and health maintenance, coordinates appointments and transportation, assists with public benefits and transitions between residences, and advocates for individuals in the community. The Navigator communicates with program and clinical leadership and DDS staff, completes required paperwork, and participates in staff, team, and PQI meetings. Work must respect clients’ rights, privacy, and dignity and comply with contractual requirements. The position represents Ascentria Care Alliance professionally in the community. This is a full-time hybrid position. The posted pay range is $22.27–$24.80. The employer describes a comprehensive benefits package for employees who qualify, including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and holidays.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in human-services-related work; alternatively, a high school degree with at least 10 years of human-services direct-care experience may be considered.
At least two years of human services experience; community-based experience is preferred.
Ability to implement treatment plans, set limits, and manage client behaviors.
Ability to write accurate, professional documentation in legible English daily.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
Ability to work independently and with community-based human-services professionals and DDS staff.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team.
Basic Microsoft Office computer skills.
Flexible schedule to meet the needs of individuals.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work within the agency’s mission.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance; the role requires transporting clients throughout the community.
Successful completion of all required background checks before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Licensed or eligible for licensure by ASWB according to education and experience level (LICSW, LCSW, LSW, or LSWA) within six months of hire is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of the DDS ISP process and Charting the Life Course is strongly preferred.
Experience in community-based human services settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

Create and implement ISPs, behavior plans, medication treatment plans, assessments, and other applicable documentation within designated time frames.
Train, model, and assist with activities of daily living and health maintenance to support skill acquisition and independent living, including meal preparation, nutrition, apartment maintenance, exercise, socialization, and use of public transportation or ADA transportation.
Provide case management, support, assistance, and instruction to help individuals develop independence and achieve ISP goals.
Collaborate with Ascentria leadership and Finance to meet representative-payee responsibilities, including financial training plans, funds management plans, annual reporting, and bill payment.
Provide transportation to and from appointments and escort individuals as needed.
Assist individuals in obtaining public benefits, including Social Security, MassHealth, ADA transportation, food stamps, and fuel assistance.
Assist individuals when moving between locations, including moving furniture or boxes and using a personal vehicle to transport belongings.
Provide basic problem-solving information and model and teach appropriate social behavior.
Advocate for individuals at community levels, evaluate advocacy efforts, and make appropriate adjustments.
Provide regular updates and communicate with the Program Manager, Clinical Coordinator, and DDS staff.
Prepare required paperwork and submit it by deadlines.
Attend and participate in staff, team, and PQI process meetings.
Respect clients’ rights, privacy, and dignity and adhere to contractual regulations.
Represent Ascentria Care Alliance professionally in the community and wear appropriate business attire.
Provide crisis intervention calmly and effectively as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.