JPD-Supervising Family Navigator

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supervising Family Navigator provides transformational, trauma-informed leadership to the Family Navigator team while serving as a bridge between families, communities, and the Juvenile Probation & Court Services Department. This role is responsible for training, coaching, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of Family Navigators, ensuring that services remain family-led, culturally responsive, equitable, and grounded in lived experience. The Supervisor plays a critical role in fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and emotional wellness, while also advancing strong partnerships with community-based organizations, court stakeholders, and internal probation teams.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Experience coaching or mentoring individuals transitioning into professional roles, including supporting professional boundaries, workplace expectations, and skill development is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience working with justice-impacted youth and families.
Lived or living experience navigating systems that impact youth and families, with the ability to translate that perspective into compassionate leadership, guidance, and supervision of Family Navigators.
Prior experience in supervision, coaching, or team leadership (formal or informal).
Valid Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and ability to travel throughout Cook County.
Ability to supervise staff working flexible, rotating schedules.
Ability to pass required background checks (criminal history does not automatically exclude applicants).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English.

Responsibilities

Provide reflective, strengths-based supervision to Family Navigators through regular individual and group supervisory conferences.
Coach staff using trauma-informed, healing-centered practices that acknowledge secondary trauma, emotional labor, and the value of lived experience.
Support Navigators in setting and maintaining healthy professional boundaries while honoring authentic connection with families.
Facilitate supervision meetings that promote learning, accountability, and psychological safety.
Identify professional development needs and support growth plans aligned with individual strengths and program goals.
Provide guidance and coaching to help Family Navigators successfully transition lived experience into a professional role within a court-based environment, including expectations related to communication, documentation, collaboration, and professional conduct.
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Family Navigator program, ensuring consistency and fidelity to the program’s mission.
Review case documentation, progress notes, and data entry to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and trauma-responsive language.
Collaborate with department leadership to assess program outcomes, identify trends, and continuously improve service quality and delivery.
Provide guidance and consultation on complex family engagement situations, including conflict resolution, safety considerations, and system navigation.
Ensure coverage and staffing needs are met within a flexible, rotating schedule environment.
Strengthen and sustain partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, behavioral health providers, and advocacy groups across Cook County.
Represent the Family Navigator program in interagency meetings, community events, and collaborative initiatives.
Support Navigators in conducting community-based visits that prioritize safety, dignity, and trust.
Partner with probation leadership, Juvenile Probation Officers, and court stakeholders to improve coordination, communication, and family engagement.
Advocate for family and community perspectives in system meetings, program planning, and collaborative initiatives.
Support staff in accessing internal resources, peer support, and wellness strategies.
Address staff performance concerns through coaching, supervision, and corrective guidance in accordance with departmental policy.
Ensure compliance with Department policies, timekeeping requirements, and Code of Conduct.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of Family Navigators.
Attend required supervisory, unit, division, and department meetings.
Support implementation of departmental initiatives and program improvements.
Perform additional duties as assigned by departmental leadership.