Family Navigator

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority•Cherokee, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Family Navigators are people who have lived experience as a person with IDD (intellectual or developmental disability), Autism or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) or are the parent or primary caregiver of a person with an IDD, Autism or TBI who use their own experience to help others navigate the community system. The Family Navigator will be responsible for supporting and guiding families within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community. This position acts as a bridge between families and the multiple support systems including education, specific support services, healthcare, social services, and other community services. Key responsibilities include providing information, education, and advocacy, as well as helping families navigate and access necessary resources.

Requirements

Personal experience lending to providing care to a loved one with IDD, Autism or TBI or be a person with lived experience with IDD, Autism or TBI.
Minimum 3 years of experience in disability advocacy, navigating systems of care related to supportive IDD services, or social services.
Valid NC Driver’s License
At least 1 year experience navigating a system of care for individuals/families with IDD, Autism, and/or TBI.
High School Diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with tribal communities or tribal housing initiatives.
Experience working in a healthcare facility.

Responsibilities

Use lived experience to build trust, normalize challenges, and offer hope and practical strategies.
Provide one-on-one guidance to families navigating services for individuals with IDD, Autism, or TBI.
Support transitions across life stages (e.g., diagnosis, school entry, adulthood, crisis recovery).
Facilitate groups, and/or classes for the Resource Center programming.
Promote a philosophy of whole person-centered care.
Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity when working with Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian families, understanding the unique challenges and needs of tribal communities.
Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the record in assigned location or system, the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.
Ensure appropriate documentation compliance and standardized billing practices where appliable.
Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, 42 CFR, or other licensing bodies.
Advocate for systemic change within community, educational, and healthcare systems to improve access and services for individuals with IDD, Autism and/or TBI.
Provide culturally appropriate approaches in engagement with the community.
Participate in extensive community outreach to individuals needing extra support.
Establish strong, trusting relationships with individuals and families, providing ongoing support and guidance.
Build a trusting, collaborative partnership with community providers and other community agencies and partners specific to the population.
Provide families with information about available services and how to access them.
Act as a bridge between families and service systems, including tribal programs, state agencies, and community organizations.
Promote inclusion, accessibility, and equity in community settings and service environments.
Identify and address gaps in services or barriers to access, elevating family concerns to leadership when needed.
Represent the interests of families and children within the various systems they interact with.
Help families understand their rights, navigate complex systems, and take an active role in their child's care.
Assist families in finding and accessing appropriate medical, educational, social, and support services.
Work collaboratively with service providers, healthcare providers, educators, social workers, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care.
Help identify and develop community resources that can support families.
Conduct and facilitate training sessions to build families' skills and knowledge in accessing services and advocating for their children.
Maintain accurate records of interactions with families and resources accessed.
Operate with appropriate and professional boundaries with population served, families, community and stakeholders.
Participate and facilitate educational opportunities for the community and population served in the community, when assigned.
Ability to share your story and lived experience in an appropriate and respectful manner.
Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such as Microsoft Office programs, and email.
Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of tasks.
Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of person-centered thinking.
Basic knowledge of resources in the community.