POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Navigator acts as the central point of contact for all community members who reach out to Akin Family Resource Centers and/or community access points. Provides assessment and navigation services to diverse communities to ensure families and children are connected to appropriate Akin programs and community resources. This position supports families using the Family Resource Center Pathways Framework, a research and community-informed service delivery approach for providing family support services, to keep families together, improve family well-being, and create equity. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides intake and screens to determine eligibility for internal programs and identifies strengths and service needs for families within the community
• Develops plans with families to meet families’ needs and assists families with goal planning to promote self-sufficiency and long-term stability
• Provides appropriate family navigation, information, and referral
• Coordinates with Akin programs and other community resource providers to connect families to relevant resources and actively networks with service providers to stay current on community resources
• Attends community meetings, sits on community boards, and creates information sharing opportunities throughout the community
• Designs family outreach plans and actively participates in the outreach to children and families for the organization’s service programs and family navigation
• Maintains record of referrals and family navigation provided to track outcomes and support exchange of information between programs
• Contributes to shared learning with the community of family navigators around the state
• Assist with grant reports and monthly reports; maintains files and records and sends progress reports to supervisor
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage multiple families in need of services and ability to successfully connect families with appropriate agencies and service
• Knowledge of Akin programs and services and understanding of community resources within the Family Resource Center service area
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to work with a diverse work environment and community
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Basic working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite and excellent data entry skills
• Able to develop working relationships and partnerships with community organizations and personnel
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job may be performed in a variety of locations. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Varied lighting and temperatures depending on location
• Moderate to frequent interruptions
• Ability to work in a variety of workspaces including confined spaces
• Ability to sit at a computer or vehicle for an extended period
• Ability to stand for extended period on occasion
• Extensive travel to various locations throughout the state

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop, and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Occasionally able to lift up to 20lbs

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1 year experience in community and/or family service; Or, a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• A valid Washington State driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation
• A one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients. Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience navigating family support systems/services.
• Associates degree in family or social services, or a related field
• Bilingual

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $26.71 - $36.83. The starting salary range for this position is $26.71 - $29.24 DOE for external candidates.

Employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, one personal day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees). Employees will also enjoy 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.