Navigator

Easterseals•Washington, WA

About The Position

The Navigator supports families in Washington, DC who are transitioning from homelessness to sustainable careers through the Career Mobility Action Plan (Career MAP), a workforce development initiative launched by the DC Department of Human Services. Serving as the primary point of contact for a caseload of families referred from the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program (FRSP), the Navigator provides personalized coaching, advocacy, and strategic support beyond traditional case management. The Navigator helps participants create and pursue individualized Mobility Action Plans that address career, education, financial, and family goals. The role includes helping families overcome barriers, access two-generational resources, advance their careers, build financial independence, and improve holistic family well-being. Navigators maintain regular contact, including at least one face-to-face meeting per participant each month; most of these meetings should take place in the community rather than in Fedcap offices. The Navigator documents participant interactions and progress in the Electronic Case Management system, verifies and reports outcomes to DHS and internal teams, and works with colleagues and community partners to support coordinated, high-quality services. The position also involves required training and participation in regional learning collaboratives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, Workforce Development, or a related field from an accredited institution.
At least 3 years of experience in case management, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or social services.
Experience preferably serving low-income, TANF, or other public-benefit populations.
2 to 3 years of demonstrated success in coaching, barrier resolution, and performance-driven human services settings.
2 to 3 years of experience navigating public systems, such as child welfare, criminal justice, housing, or behavioral health, and understanding barriers faced by individuals experiencing generational poverty.
The posting also accepts education or experience deemed appropriate by the agency.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conduct strengths-based assessments and develop and update individualized Mobility Action Plans with participants, incorporating career, education, financial, and family goals.
Use trauma-informed and motivational coaching techniques to encourage participant ownership, urgency, and confidence.
Provide ongoing accountability and future-focused support as participants pursue career and family goals.
Help participants access healthcare, mental health, childcare, early childhood education, financial aid, tax credits, and legal services.
Guide participants through public and community service systems, make warm handoffs to external providers, and follow up to confirm services were received and needs were met.
Help participants leverage social capital and build peer connections through workshops and group activities.
Help participants explore career options aligned with their interests and financial goals, and refer them to vocational certifications, adult education, and higher education programs.
Collaborate with DHS Workforce Development Specialists and other partners to facilitate employment placements and track post-placement advancement and wage increases.
Coach participants through transitions from training to employment and from job entry to career progression, tracking milestones along the way.
Conduct outreach to engage referred participants and re-engage those who have disengaged from services; document touchpoints and status updates.
Track progress toward career, education, financial, and family well-being goals and maintain consistent, meaningful contact with participants.
Hold at least one face-to-face meeting with each participant monthly; conduct most meetings in the community, such as at a school or apartment-complex community room.
Maintain accurate, current documentation of participant interactions, MAP updates, and milestones in the Electronic Case Management system.
Verify and report employment, education, housing stability, and income progression outcomes to DHS and internal teams.
Assist with compiling reports and data on participant engagement, timesheets, placements, and retention metrics.
Participate in regional learning collaboratives and training sessions on mobility coaching and two-generational service delivery.
Collaborate with other Navigators, Supervising Navigators, and community partners to support service alignment, consistency, and quality.
Follow Fedcap and DHS policies and protocols, participate in required training, and contribute to a respectful, accountable, and excellent work culture.