Bilingual Family Support Navigator

Job Title: Bilingual Family Support Navigator

Department: Family Services
Reports To: Family Services Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Location: Springfield, MA
Employment Type: Grant Funded Full-Time

Salary: $23.00 per hour

About New North Citizens’ Council (NNCC)

New North Citizens’ Council is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents through education, workforce development, family support, and community services. NNCC is committed to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service delivery.

Position Summary

The Bilingual Family Support Navigator provides information, referral, service navigation, and family support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Family Support Guidelines. Reporting to the Family Services Supervisor, this position helps families identify strengths and needs, develop individualized Family Support Plans, access community resources, and coordinate services that promote independence, family stability, and community inclusion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Family Support & Service Navigation

• Provide information, referrals, and service navigation to individuals and families seeking support.
• Assess family strengths, needs, priorities, and available resources.
• Develop and implement individualized Family Support Plans that reflect each family's preferences, goals, and cultural and linguistic values.
• Provide short- and long-term service coordination and follow-up to ensure families access appropriate supports.
• Assist families in navigating public benefits, community resources, healthcare, educational services, and other support systems.

Program Coordination & Collaboration

• Coordinate family training opportunities, support groups, networking events, and educational workshops.
• Collaborate with DDS Service Coordinators and other community partners to coordinate services and maximize available resources.
• Support the administration of flexible family support funding in accordance with DDS guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of available community resources, service providers, and public benefit programs.
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and collaborative planning activities.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records and documentation.
• Complete required reports, service documentation, and data entry in accordance with agency and DDS requirements.
• Ensure compliance with DDS Family Support Guidelines, agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable regulations.

Community Engagement

• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and service agencies.
• Represent NNCC at community meetings, trainings, conferences, and outreach activities.
• Participate in professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field; or a combination of education and at least three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals and families, preferably those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Bilingual and bicultural (English/Spanish) required.
• Knowledge of community resources, public benefits, and human service systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• Experience providing family-centered case management or service navigation.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning principles.

Core Competencies

• Family Support & Advocacy
• Service Coordination & Resource Navigation
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Organization & Documentation
• Collaboration & Teamwork

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is performed in office, community, and family home settings. Regular travel throughout the service area is required to meet with families, community partners, and DDS representatives. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasional evening hours may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or family events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

New North Citizens’ Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement (REQUIRED)

NNCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At-Will Employment Disclaimer (Massachusetts Standard Practice)

Employment with NNCC is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.