Resident Engagement & Care Navigator

Kendal System Careers•Lexington, VA

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Engagement & Care Navigator plays a vital role in supporting Independent Living residents by fostering meaningful relationships, identifying needs early, and guiding residents and families through the continuum of care. This position is ideal for a compassionate, proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is committed to enhancing the resident experience. The Resident Engagement & Care Navigator is a highly relational and proactive role responsible for supporting Independent Living (IL) residents through ongoing engagement, early identification of needs, and effective navigation of services across the continuum of care. This role builds meaningful relationships with all IL residents, meeting with each resident at least annually, and serves as a central communication hub for residents, families, and staff. The Navigator ensures concerns are identified early, communicated clearly, and followed through to resolution. Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, this position plays a key role in promoting independence, supporting transitions, and enhancing the overall resident experience through both direct interaction and behind-the-scenes coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, healthcare administration, human services, or a related field required.
2–5 years of experience in senior living, healthcare, or social services required.
Experience in care coordination, case management, or resident engagement strongly preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and foster meaningful relationships.
Strong initiative and ability to work independently in a proactive manner.
Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive conversations and complex situations with professionalism and empathy.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Ability to assess needs, identify risks, and coordinate appropriate interventions.
Comfortable using technology and supporting end users.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with all Independent Living residents, serving as a visible and approachable resource for residents and families.
Proactively meet with each resident at least annually, with increased engagement for higher-risk individuals, and respond to concerns with empathy, professionalism, and timely follow-up.
Identify residents experiencing health, cognitive, or psychosocial changes and provide guidance, education, and resources to support aging in place and future planning.
Serve as a primary point of contact for residents and families navigating care needs, ensuring follow-through and resolution of concerns.
Monitor residents with elevated risk factors such as falls, hospitalizations, or cognitive changes, and track concerns through Resident Care Conferences (RCC).
Lead RCC meetings, including agenda development, facilitation, documentation, and follow-up, while collaborating closely with clinical and interdisciplinary teams.
Participate in daily stand-up meetings, weekly risk reviews, and monthly safety meetings to ensure coordinated and proactive care.
Support residents and families through transitions across levels of care or move-out processes, coordinating communication and managing key administrative elements.
Serve as a central communication link between residents, families, and staff, addressing concerns identified through surveys and direct feedback.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of resident interactions and ensure records are complete and up to date within organizational systems.
Track key resident data, including risk indicators and engagement touchpoints, and support processes such as File of Life updates.
Support digital engagement through Kendal Connect (CASEY), assisting residents with access, navigation, and troubleshooting, and managing community content such as calendars and newsletters.
Participate in campus committees and initiatives, contribute to community communications, and support onboarding efforts such as Kendal 101.