STEPS Community Navigator

Description In collaboration with UACDC’s STEPS for Success Program, the Community Navigator provides person-centered case management and service coordination to eligible participants and their household members. The Navigator partners with participants to develop, implement, and monitor individualized goal plans (IGPs), strengthen financial stability, connect households with appropriate community resources, and coordinate wraparound services in accordance with UACDC case management practices and applicable funder requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide person-centered case management and care coordination to an assigned caseload of eligible individuals and families, supporting participants in identifying priorities, setting goals, and working toward measurable outcomes.
• Respond to program referrals and inquiries; complete timely outreach, initial screening, eligibility assessments, intake procedures, and required documentation in accordance with program and funder guidelines.
• Enter accurate, timely, and complete progress notes, service activities, outcomes, follow-up details, and required monitoring data into designated STEPS case management and reporting systems.
• Maintain organized, current, and confidential participant records; document significant contacts and services, and review records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with documentation standards.
• Collaborate with participants to develop, implement, and regularly review individualized goal plans, including financial education, budgeting, employment, housing stability, and other goals relevant to the participant’s needs.
• Apply person-centered and system-of-care principles to facilitate planning and wraparound meetings, ensuring participants and families are informed, empowered, and actively involved in decisions about their goals and services.
• Engage participants, household members, service providers, and community partners to coordinate formal and informal support, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Assess participant needs and coordinate individualized concrete supports in accordance with program guidelines, approved funding, documentation requirements, and established authorization procedures.
• Complete required forms, assessments, surveys, and data collection activities to support service documentation, funder reporting, quality assurance, and measurement of program outcomes.
• Collaborate with the STEPS team, UACDC departments, and external partners to coordinate services, address service barriers, and support consistent, timely service delivery.
• Provide culturally responsive, respectful, and strengths-based services that honor the backgrounds, values, preferences, and circumstances of participants and the communities served.
• Maintain accurate participant, caseload, service, and outcome records; monitor progress toward individual goals and program targets; and promptly correct identified data or documentation discrepancies.
• Attend and complete required staff meetings, professional development, and trainings assigned by the STEPS Program Manager or Director of Programs and required by program funders.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and eligibility requirements, connect participants with appropriate services, and follow up on referrals when needed.
• Participate in community outreach, presentations, enrollment activities, and partner events as needed; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Prepare accurate reports, case summaries, and records on participant progress, caseload status, service delivery, and other program activities for management and external agencies as required.
• Follow applicable grant, contract, eligibility, service, documentation, and reporting requirements, ensuring participant services comply with the requirements of each funding source.
• Follow program budget guidelines and established approval procedures; submit complete documentation for requested participant assistance and do not commit to program funds without required authorization.
• Other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY Participant Service and Engagement, Case Management, Recordkeeping and Data Integrity, Financial Coaching, Community Resource Coordination, Technology and Reporting Systems

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Motivation & Initiative Sub competencies: Ethical, Professional, and Proactive. Demonstrates commitment to UACDC’s mission and program goals; takes initiative, identifies opportunities for improvement, contributes ideas, follows through on responsibilities, and maintains professional and ethical conduct. Administrative Skills Sub competencies: Detail Orientation, Planning & Organizing. Organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks and deadlines; maintains accurate records; follows through on commitments; establishes clear work plans; anticipates issues and identifies practical solutions. Interpersonal Style Sub competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Communication, and Teamwork. Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally; listens actively; builds effective relationships with participants, colleagues, supervisors, and partners; and works collaboratively toward shared goals. Self-Management Sub competencies: Adaptability, Reliability, Dependability, and Composure. Adapts to changing priorities and procedures; works independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment; meets deadlines; maintains professionalism under pressure; and follows through on responsibilities. Thinking & Problem Solving Sub competencies: Problem Solving, Judgment, and Decision Making. Identifies concerns, gathers relevant information, recognizes when guidance or approval is needed, evaluates options, and recommends timely, appropriate solutions. Customer Focus / Orientation Sub competencies: Participant and Customer Service. Responds to participant and partner needs with empathy, professionalism, and respect; listens carefully, identifies service barriers, follows through on concerns, and seeks appropriate solutions.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field and at least one year of relevant experience in case management, human services, family support, or community-based programming. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; apply case management and person-centered service coordination principles; maintain accurate records; and use technology to document services and report outcomes. Experience working with diverse communities and knowledge of local community resources are preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret documents; respond professionally to sensitive inquiries or complaints; and communicate effectively in English. Spanish proficiency is preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform basic calculations and interpret numerical information, including budgets, expenses, and program data.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to identify and define problems, gather and analyze information, establish facts, draw sound conclusions, and interpret instructions and guidelines involving multiple variables.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Working knowledge of computers, data security, databases, online forms, internet navigation, and reporting systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, with the ability to learn designated case management and data systems.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

· CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) - Training Provided · First Aid Training - Training Provided · AED (Automated External Defibrillator) -Training Provided

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, participants, community agencies, and external partners.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, documentation, and follow-through skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to coordinate services, review data for accuracy, monitor progress, and establish priorities.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel locally for participant services, outreach, and community meetings.