FAMILY NAVIGATOR - 60075219

State of Florida • Marianna, FL

55d • $55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Family Navigator engages families early in the child welfare investigation process and partners with them to assess needs, set goals, access services, and make progress toward safe, long-term independence. The role ensures that high-risk families have a voice in the process and feel empowered to make necessary changes. The Family Navigator builds relationships with system partners and supports the growth of the program.

The position promotes access, engagement, and coordination of services for families in the child welfare system who have behavioral health needs. It works closely with families, providers, investigators, case managers, and community partners to identify needs, facilitate service connections, monitor service delivery, and address barriers. The navigator follows cases from inception through closure, supporting information sharing, collaboration, and outcomes that strengthen family safety, stability, and well-being.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of combined experience as a child welfare or behavioral health professional.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; selected applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and documentation of the appropriate insurance rating.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Experience with the principles and strategies of family engagement.
• Licensed clinician (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) or similar licensure.
• Certified Child Welfare Professional.

Responsibilities

• Promote access, engagement, and coordination of services for families in the child welfare system with behavioral health needs by using strategies to rapidly engage families, working with providers, and monitoring quality service delivery.
• Build relationships with families, help them set goals, and provide support and guidance as they navigate the system and work toward long-term safety and stability.
• Identify service needs, coordinate interventions, and collaborate with child protective investigators, child welfare case managers, and other subject matter experts involved in assessment and treatment identification.
• Apply knowledge of the child welfare system to recognize behaviors associated with safety and well-being, understand family dynamics, and connect families with meaningful services and interventions.
• Follow identified cases from inception through closure, supporting collaboration and information sharing among partners and providers, raising awareness of risk factors, and ensuring intentional service connection and delivery.
• Build relationships with Child Protective Investigator, Case Management, and provider staff, and support their understanding of how active engagement and accurate service identification affect behavioral change and family well-being and stability.
• Participate in or facilitate staffings and care coordination, and help resolve barriers faced by families involved in the child welfare system, including through field response and work at a family's residence or physical location.
• Collaborate with community service providers and the Managing Entity to develop contacts, facilitate referrals, and help investigative and case management staff engage clients in recommended services and access treatment promptly.
• Participate in and sometimes facilitate legal, multidisciplinary, and other meetings to support positive outcomes and strengthen families.
• Ensure inter-agency collaboration with stakeholders in child and adult protection and domestic violence systems, including DOH, DOE, DJJ, university schools of social work, Ounce of Prevention, child advocates, child advocacy centers, and the Department of Elder Affairs.
• Work with department leadership and programs to integrate the Office of Child and Family Well-Being with other department programs, particularly the Office of Quality Assurance, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, and Economic Self-Sufficiency.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time