Program Navigator

Introduction

Our youth have directly expressed the importance of a caring adult to their ability to becoming a successful adult. We are seeking to support youth who have been exposed to various levels of trauma, violence, and engagement with law enforcement. We must not forget that they often endure situations and circumstances that make them cautious about seeking services and trusting others with their wellbeing. We are seeking individuals who understand this dynamic and can provide robust, coordinated care that is youth-driven and builds on relationships with their Program Navigators (known as Navigators).

Responsibilities

Program Navigators will be the primary contact for youth starting at outreach and will provide coordinated care intervention for youth utilizing a strong community-based network of services. This position is full time.

Navigators will be responsible for ensuring that youth are served in a culturally competent manner to achieve their goals(3) and make the youth feel safe. This can include driving a youth to and from appointments to ensure support; attending court dates for pending cases; and assisting with expungement, interview attire, gas money, bus cards, and housing referrals.

Navigators will be responsible for youth as active problem solvers to address their immediate and longterm goals without judgment, and should encourage their self-esteem, motivation, and safety as it is related to their communities.

Engagement and recruitment

Navigators will be responsible for engaging youth from various entry points, including non-traditional recruitment and engagement efforts, so they can be connected to services. We know that some youth may already have contact with the court systems (criminal, juvenile, foster care) or be known to local community leaders. Some youth may be in various systems already (homeless/shelter care, public schools, public assistance/benefits).

Youth should be recruited through engagement/referral efforts with the following organizations:

1. Chicago Department of Public Health - Referrals from CDPH street outreach and community

clinic team members

2. Cook County Juvenile Probation - Probation officers who have youth that reside in the stated

community areas who are at highest risk of incarceration on the state level

3. Foster Care youth 14-21 (“transitioning youth” or dually involved youth) - Referral process to be

developed with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

4. Homeless shelters - System to be developed with the DFSS Homeless Services Division

5. DFSS Youth, Homeless and Workforce Divisions - System to be developed with the DFSS

Youth, Homeless, and Workforce Services Divisions

6. Chicago Police Department - Through local District Commander or Area Deputy Chiefs

7. Other street outreach organizations - Referrals from other street outreach workers that have contact with youth at highest risk of violence involvement

Navigators should have a strong outreach approach that consists of non-traditional, proactive approaches.

Navigators must have experience communicating with youth and build trust to engage them in services.

This is often referenced as “relentless engagement” - when a community provider not only brings youth into programs but is committed to the relationship even once the youth is connected to an organization. Ideally, we are seeking to engage youth through various doors using relentless engagement tactics.

Intake screening and assessment for case planning

Navigators will administer the approved intake and assessment(s) once a youth has built trust and engagement with the Navigator.

Navigators will be responsible for the youth’s intake and will be completed once you determine eligibility. Assessments will be used to develop case plans and assess areas of strength and priorities based on the youth’s direction and resources (i.e. substance use treatment, CBT and other mental health services).

Assessments should be framed through a trauma-informed and strength-based lens as stated above.

Intake and assessments should occur when a youth has voiced a commitment/interest in services and understands the roles and responsibilities of the Navigator, as well as the organization, in assisting the youth to achieve their goals and objectives.

Navigators will perform a case review with youth every three months to evaluate progress.

Wrap around services and supports

Navigators will be responsible for ensuring that youth are engaged in an array of services as needed.

Navigators will be responsible for providing services directly or make referrals for services for youth (organization name, primary contact person, contact information, time/date of appointment or screen, follow up expectations) including providing transportation to and from appointments as needed and/or transportation supports (CTA/PACE/Metra cards).

Navigators will be responsible for collecting data and reporting on the youth’s progress, challenges, potential collaboration gaps and successes, as well as other ancillary issues which can assist and inform the programming for youth at the highest risk of violence involvement.

Some key areas for services and support that selected respondents must deliver or have

collaborations to address include but are not limited to:

8. Mental health services/assessment - Mental health assessments; CBT-informed activities and engagement; social and emotional learning supports; one CBT activity a month based on youth recommendations, feedback, and goals setting.

9. Education - Reengagement back into CPS, GED programming; enrollment in City Colleges or other post-secondary institutions; engagement with skills training programs

10. Employment services and supports - engagement in seasonal, full- or part-time employment, or skills training, and career exposure activities

11. Health and wellness - Connection to a healthcare system/primary care provider such as Medicaid

12. Housing supports - Registration for rental assistance and low-cost/affordable housing programs

13. Ancillary supports - Transportation supports; cell phones/access to a phone line; email addresses/access to WIFI; financial literacy and income supports; TANF/SNAP/WIC benefits; food pantries; childcare and legal services; stipends or incentives

Connecting and coaching

Navigators will be responsible for motivating/inspiring youth to participate in supports and services.

Navigators will not just give youth referrals for services, but also: ensure there is capacity and availability at the receiving provider; provide names, addresses, and dates and times for services; provide transportation; wait with a youth to complete services, appointments, etc.; attend court dates when feasible; assist in securing identification; etc.

Navigators will also be responsible for utilizing a network of identified providers and follow up with referrals as well as any issues with the referral organization within seven business days from initial referral.

Navigators will be responsible for providing feedback around youth’s short- and long-term goals through a trauma-informed and equity lens.

Cityspan Database

Program Navigators are responsible for entering youth and program information into the Cityspan database system on a weekly basis.

Data entry includes but is not limited to:

• Notes on Youth engagement

• Youth contact information

• Youth school information if applicable

• Case details

• Youth goals

• Service Connections

Failure to maintain accurate information in the database may impact future funding. DFSS will provide training and technical assistance on the use of the database. Agencies are required to attend database trainings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or 2 years’ experience.

• This person will be working onsite at Association House High School in Humboldt Park.

• Ability to make psychosocial assessments and develop and implement viable care plans.

• Excellent listening and communication skills.

• A strong commitment and drive to see this through from beginning to end.

• Experience with Cityspan or similar software to enter and track data.

• A valid driver’s license and a car (This position requires home visits, appointments, courts

dates).

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $52,000