Navigator

Maintain positive work relationship with Charles River Center employees, individuals, families, referral agencies, and other community members to ensure satisfaction with program operations.

Formally and informally respond to needs, desires and interests of families and program participants by conducting home visits and having regular communication with families on assigned caseload.

Conduct home visits with families to assess needs and to develop support plans.

Demonstrate effective use of Positive Behavioral Supports.

Complete all necessary paperwork related to the Family Support Center, Respite, Financial Assistance, Companion and other group services.

Actively develop community inclusion options for participants (educational and/or recreational interest activities).

Assist in the day-to-day, public relations and marketing aspects of the Family Support Program.

Promote a positive image for the program, agency and families.

Assist with goal development and data collection to evaluate needs of program and outcomes of goals.

Actively participate in FSC activities such as arranging for Parent Workshops, running support groups, and conducting outreach activities.

Assist in developing and maintaining a relationship with the school systems.

Recruit and orient, train, and supervise staff including respite workers, companions, individual home support workers and any other direct care staff, in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Participate in human resources functions per established procedures: recruit, interview, hire, orientate, train, supervise and appraise performance.

Provide direct care and supervision of program participants with special needs during Family Support programs as requested by the Program Director or Vice President. Direct care may include, but not be limited to, toileting, changing of diapers and clothing, washing, and feeding meals (i.e., lunch & snacks).

Act as a role model to staff, volunteers and participants by displaying appropriate dress, language, and character skills.

Demonstrate willingness and ability to provide physical behavioral intervention as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Understand & advocate Individuals human rights, legal rights, administrative and financial issues. Use effective advocacy strategies to overcome challenges.

Attend in-services and other trainings. Identify areas for self-improvement, pursue necessary training/educational resources & share knowledge with others.

Implement and maintain the standards, regulations and requirements of the, the Department of Developmental Services and other agencies.

Actively participates in the development and coordination of fund raising /family support events, such as the Ellie Bloom Olympics, the Gala, the 5K and others.

Assist families in accessing entitlements, demonstrate proficiency in DDS eligibility, SNAP, Social Security, MassHealth, ARICA, and knowledge of guardianship, home modification program, premium assistance, PCA program and any other programs available to families. Keep current on entitlement programs, community resources, and educational resources as needed in working with families.

Administer Stipends to families as assigned, includes development of an Expenditure Plan and monitoring of stipends to assure expenses are allowable and do not exceed individual family allocation.

Provide navigation (short and extended) to families and maintain required documentation.

Interpersonal Skills: Interacts with others in an effective, appropriate, positive and professional manner; develops relationships (inside and outside the agency at all levels) that enhance understanding and communication.

Teamwork/Cooperation: Works well with team members to accomplish the goals of the department. Works well with management to achieve agency goals. Flexible in accepting new or additional assignments.

Dependability: Follows through on job responsibilities with thoroughness and accuracy. Reliable and consistent.

Communication: Clearly and effectively presents information through oral and written means. Demonstrates clear and concise communication in individual or group situations. Listens and assimilates information on job performance.

Planning/ Organization: Plans and manages work to accomplish tasks on time. Plans and implements appropriate use of resources. Adapts to changing conditions. Prioritizes work demands and manages multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibility: Adheres to company policies and procedures and follows company guidelines in conducting business relationships.

Attendance: Adheres to program schedule and routines, which includes arriving to assigned location promptly and conforms to the agencys attendance standards. Attend all required meetings and trainings promptly.

Initiative: Self-reliance in thinking, planning, and carrying out job responsibilities. Demonstrates problem solving skills.

Management: Supports and enforces agency policies and objectives; sets example through personal conduct and performance.

Data collection: Collects data, compiles information and prepares reports in a timely and accurate fashion.