Resource Navigator Part

JOB TITLE: Resource Navigator 

DIVISION: Adult Services

DEPARTMENT: Ford Community Center 

LOCATION: 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time Regular (up to 24 hours/week)

APPROVED DATE: 05/07/2025

JOB SUMMARY: Resource Navigator will work in partnership with Ford Community Center staff to support job seekers in navigating and connecting to essential services required to remove barriers. These can include transportation, childcare, housing, legal aid, adult basic education, or expungement support. This role will serve as the expert in understanding various partners and the support they offer, including eligibility and the referral process. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists customers in identifying the best community resources available to meet their needs and supports referrals to those resources, including warm handoffs to partner organizations.
2. Develops and fosters relationships with organizations that provide barrier removal/essential services that are in proximity to the career center.
3. Maintains a network of referral organizations and a resource directory to assist customers in obtaining services.
4. Keeps information on partner organizations updated by making routine contact to verify services, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
5. Identify gaps within the referral partner network and work in collaboration with identify potential partners.
6. Advocates for and connects customers to community services and assists in assessing available support services.
7. Follows up with customers and partner organizations on the status of barrier/referral resolution and provides updates to career coaches.
8. Maintains accurate and up-to-date participant activity data and other related information in data systems.
9. Assists in maintaining an accurate record (file) system for each program participant.
10. Reconciles and validates reports with related data files and systems, reports errors and corrections to management.
11. Compiles program statistics and prepares regularly scheduled related reports for submission as required by SER and the funding source.
12. Provide participants with public benefits information and assist with applying within the MI Bridges system.
13. Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NONE

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school degree or equivalent (GED); Associate Degree or a combination of education and experience in social work, counseling, human services, or related field preferred.
2. Computer skills necessary to utilize word processing and spreadsheet software applications and maintain required documentation.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to effectively communicate, build professional relationships, and provide accurate information to community partners and program participants.
4. Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income, distressed neighborhoods.
5. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
6. Bilingual language skills in English/Spanish required
7. Mental ability to handle pressures related to performing multiple tasks requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions due to people and/or telephone calls.
8. Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable means of transportation to travel to various locations outside of the office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit and talk or hear.  Some filing is required which would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  - The noise level in the work environment is at times, moderately loud with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photo copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a person so classified. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.