This peer to peer navigator coordinates public benefits between the family and DCF/TANF and helps navigate families to services or tangible items needed to assist families in promoting the health and well being of the children and their relative caregivers. Assists in development and coordination of Support groups for participants. Participates in organization’s performance and quality improvement efforts.

PEER NAVIGATOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as initial contact with family to gather information regarding their needs.
• Gathers appropriate assessment information for the team. 
• Completes DCF/ ACCESS applications with families to seek public benefits (cash assistance, food stamps and Medicaid).
• Based on assessment, assists family in developing a Family Support Plan (FSP)
• Maintains a caseload of 10-12 families.
• Monitors ongoing referrals and resources to the family.
• Assists in development and coordination of Support groups for participants.
• Coordinates with other departments within the Children’s Home Network as required.
• Maintains ongoing relationships with organizations, individuals and providers that assist the program, and renews and expands those relationships.
• Works with Program Manager and program staff to determine any family needs and utilizes developed peer to peer relationships to fill those needs.
• Ensures proper documentation of all activities involved in the acquisition of program resources as set forth in CHN policy and procedures and funder contract requirements.
• Develops and maintains a list of individuals, organizations and providers that may assist children and families in the program (Businesses, Civic Groups, Schools, Neighborhood Associations and Faith Groups).
• Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs of children and families.
• Performs other related duties as assigned 

PEER NAVIGATOR MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in Social Services environment or related field.
• Experienced relative caregiver, preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with no record of criminal driving offense of license suspension.
• Must possess means of providing job related transportation and show proof of required insurance. Must be insurable under CHN’s current auto insurance policy.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must successfully complete and maintain FDLE clearance, Federal background and
• State criminal background check and sexual predator screening.

PEER NAVIGATOR COMPETENCIES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Annual Training Requirements: 

The following training topics are required annually: Sexual Harassment, Blood-borne Pathogens, Workplace Accident Prevention and Reporting, Confidentiality and Privacy Practices, Diversity/Cultural Competency, Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Statutes and Methods, Prevention of Violence in the Workplace, OSHA–related training, Crisis Prevention, and Program Goals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.  Ability to establish effective working relationships with families, coworkers, supervisors, and other individuals.
• Possess effective interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of agency’s organizational structure, standard operating procedures, and policies.
• Knowledge of child abuse or neglect reporting procedures and methods.
• Knowledge of infant and child development inclusive of developmentally appropriate strategies.
• Knowledge of intervention and behavior management methods, strategies, and techniques.
• Knowledge of quality documentation as required by agency standards, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to conduct assessments to develop family plans, and to provide follow-up services.
• Ability to work as a multi-disciplinary team member in a positive productive manner.

PEER NAVIGATOR ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: 

• Possess good hearing (with or without hearing device).
• Ability to effectively operate a telephone and personal computer.
• Frequent use of hands, voice and hearing.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform moderate lifting (15-20 lbs.).
• Ability to stand for long periods of time on occasion.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works indoors in an office environment. May assist in outdoors employee morale and community support events.

PRIMARY CLIENTS SERVED:

Families identified as relative caregivers providing primary care for children ages 0-18 of kin that are self-referred or through community referral

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

 We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. 

 EEO/ADA/DFWP