Description

Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others while working in a collaborative and supportive work environment? We are hiring a Program Services Navigator to join our team of passionate and dedicated individuals who share a commitment to The Action Center’s mission.

The Action Center is looking for a Bilingual Program Services Navigator fluent and proficient in English and Spanish to join our team. The position is responsible for ensuring that the high standards of engagement and compassionate support of community members and volunteers occur daily by fully engaging with these diverse populations –assessing needs and offering a proactive response. 

The Program Services Navigator is responsible for working with and connecting individuals and families to community resources that help with their needs. This position helps to introduce, explain, and simplify various available resources to include those offered directly by The Action Center as well as those provided by community partners.

The Program Service Navigator provides Benefit Enrollment, Financial Assistance, Capacity Building, Resource Connection, and other important services to the community.

Requirements

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Interview, assess, and assist individuals and families seeking assistance through Stabilization Services
• Determine options for increased stabilization through connections to appropriate internal services and external referrals, and assist with navigation to other resources.
• Respond to general telephone and email inquiries from community members seeking services in a timely manner
• Coordinate and provide financial assistance services to meet community needs including screening for rent assistance eligibility and processing applications per grant guidelines.
• Responsible for all necessary rent assistance grants and program documentation including maintaining all necessary grant paperwork in an accurate and concise manner
• Record information in web-based data management systems for each associated program.
• Provide job readiness support including assisting community members with creating resumes, and cover letters, and offering interview prep support.
• Refer community members to workforce programs where appropriate and/or assist them with applying for job opportunities.
• Enroll community members in state benefits including medical, food, cash, and early childhood assistance programs offered through PEAK Colorado.
• Support volunteers as needed in their work with and in the delivery of programs. 
• Assist in the self-select grocery, in the clothing bank, and support across the Program Service department as needed.
• Communicate effectively with the Program Services Building teams, programs’ leadership, volunteers, and community partners about program activities, progress, and difficulties.
• Providing support to other program services staff and volunteers during challenging and/or escalated situations 
• Maintaining daily records and program documentation 
• Utilize onsite electronic systems to support participant service and management
• Maintain good working relations with external community service providers and volunteers
• Attend agency functions and/or special events as needed 
• Other duties as assigned 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to deal calmly, patiently, and effectively in potentially tense situations
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment and shifting gears to accommodate change
• Ability to express empathy. 
• Competency in boundary setting and comfortable using de-escalation techniques required
• Good organizational skills, ability and willingness to exercise initiative, and work independently within a team framework required 
• Ability to relate through a trauma-informed lens with all - community members, other staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Basic competency in computer technology for communication and database entry is required
• Understanding of Trauma Informed Care 
• CPR/First Aid certification is required (training will be provided if needed). Must be willing and able to perform CPR and First Aid as needed.
• Competency in setting personal and professional boundaries
• Excellent organizational, crisis management, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to exercise initiative, relate well with others, and build collaborations; ability to take direction while participating in a team environment
• Excellent computer skills including Word, Excel, Google, and databases

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency and competency in English and Spanish is required
• High School/GED required, Bachelor’s degree preferred – with coursework in human services, social work, psychology, counseling, sociology or related field experience
• Requires a minimum of one year of work/volunteer experience with vulnerable populations with an awareness of and dedication to basic human needs 
• Experience in crisis response and/or customer service
• Good organizational skills, ability and willingness to exercise initiative, and work independently within a team framework required 

PERSONAL CONTACTS AND PURPOSE 

The Program Services Navigator works closely with community members, staff, and volunteers throughout the agency to accomplish objectives, and may represent the agency in the community as assigned. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The work involves normal physical activity associated with an office environment and the position may occasionally support the grocery and clothing bank. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, but may occasionally support the grocery and clothing bank. 

The Action Center's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on actual or perceived race, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy), marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Agency also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.