CSF Parent Navigator

Position Title: Parent Navigator
Program: Community Support for Families (CSF)

Summary

The Community Support for Families (CSF) Parent Navigator provides direct support and service coordination to families within Region 5. Parent Navigators utilize strength-based, family-driven, youth-guided, and culturally responsive practices to develop individualized mentoring and meaningful engagement with families.

The purpose of the Community Support for Families program is to ensure services are delivered in a coordinated, therapeutic manner that aligns with the core values and guiding principles of Strengthening Families and WRAP-CT. Parent Navigators collaborate closely with CSF Workers to connect families with both formal and informal community supports.

Supervision

Reports To: Team Leader, Community Support for Families
Supervises: None

Key Responsibilities

• Accept referrals as assigned by the CSF Supervisor and share a caseload of approximately 12 families in collaboration with CSF Workers.

• Meet with families at times and locations most convenient for them alongside CSF Workers. This may include home visits during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed. (Parent Navigators will not conduct home visits independently.)

• Maintain weekly in-person and/or telephone contact with assigned families and document all interactions in accordance with agency standards.

• Utilize the WRAP process to assist CSF Workers in completing the Family Record, including identification of family strengths, vision, needs, and strategies to develop a comprehensive Plan of Care.

• Support families in accessing necessary resources, including referrals to the FAVOR network for support and training.

• Assist families in organizing and facilitating monthly Family Team Meetings (FTMs) to develop, implement, and monitor progress on their Plan of Care.

• Help families access culturally appropriate services and supports during crises, utilizing proactive and reactive safety/crisis plans.

• Participate in regional outreach efforts to increase referrals through local Systems of Care Collaboratives, promote family involvement in community initiatives, and support other family-centered programs.

• Maintain accurate and timely records for all assigned children and families in compliance with Wellmore documentation standards.

• Ensure confidentiality in all communications and record management, including obtaining appropriate consent for release of information.

• Provide advocacy and guidance to families during community meetings and other relevant settings as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (AA/AS or BA/BS) in a human services-related field such as social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related discipline
  OR

• A degree in an unrelated field (or no degree) with at least three (3) years of experience working with families and strong knowledge of community-based resources and services

We are especially interested in candidates who:

• Have experience with advocacy and navigating special education services and policies

• Have worked directly with children and families

• Understand the importance of cultural responsiveness and can meet the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of the families we serve

• Are bilingual (Spanish-English) (may be required for some roles)

• Are parents or caregivers of children with special needs (strongly encouraged to apply)

What Makes You Successful in This Role

• Strong communication and advocacy skills

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset

Requirements

• Valid Connecticut driver’s license with a good driving record

• Reliable personal vehicle and required insurance coverage

• Willingness to use your personal vehicle for home visits (mileage reimbursement provided)

• Ability to use a company vehicle when transporting clients and follow all agency vehicle-use policies

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)

Salary : $23 - $24