Community Supports Navigator- Bilingual - Adult and/or Children

Language Bank•Worcester, MA

1d•$22 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascentria Care Alliance is hiring a full-time, hybrid Community Supports Navigator to support individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who live independently or at home with a legal guardian. The role provides assistance and instruction in areas such as apartment maintenance, money management, medical appointments, advocacy, meal preparation and nutrition, socialization, crisis intervention, and skill acquisition. The Navigator also maintains quality documentation, supports corporate representative-payee responsibilities, and may provide surrogacy supports. The Navigator develops and implements individual service plans (ISP), behavior plans, medication treatment plans, assessments, and other required documentation within designated time frames. They provide case management and practical support to help individuals build independence, achieve ISP goals, and maintain health and daily living skills. The role includes coordinating transportation and appointment support, helping people access public benefits, assisting with moves, advocating in the community, and communicating with agency leadership, clinical staff, finance, and DDS staff. The position requires respect for clients’ rights, privacy, and dignity; compliance with contractual requirements; timely paperwork; and professional representation of Ascentria in the community. The Navigator participates in staff, team, and PQI meetings and performs other duties as assigned. Candidates must complete required background checks before employment begins.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in human-services-related work; alternatively, a high school diploma and 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.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance to transport clients in the community.
Ability to implement treatment plans, set limits, and manage client behaviors.
Ability to write accurate, professional documentation in legible English on a daily basis.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with community-based human service professionals and DDS staff, including as part of a multicultural team.
Basic Microsoft Office computer skills.
Flexible schedule to meet individuals’ needs.
Ability to provide calm and effective crisis intervention as needed.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work within the agency’s mission.
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.

Responsibilities

Create and implement ISPs, behavior plans, medication treatment plans, assessments, and other applicable documentation within required time frames.
Train, model, and assist individuals with activities of daily living and health maintenance to build skills and support 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 and funds management plans, annual reporting, and bill payment.
Provide transportation and escort individuals to and from appointments as needed.
Help individuals obtain public benefits, including Social Security, MassHealth, ADA transportation, food stamps, and fuel assistance.
Assist individuals with 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 adjust approaches as appropriate.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.