Compensation: 19.00-$21.00

Position Summary

The Community Navigator / Case Manager provides individualized case management and family support services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, with a primary focus on serving the Native American community. This position assists families in navigating Regional Center and other community-based services, identifying and accessing available resources, advocating for client needs, and promoting independence and self-sufficiency. The Community Navigator builds trusting relationships with families through ongoing case management, home visits, support groups, and collaboration with community partners.

This position requires a compassionate, organized, and self-motivated professional who can work independently while maintaining accurate documentation, managing multiple cases, and advocating for individuals with special needs and their families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management services to assigned individuals and families.
• Conduct assessments to identify client strengths, needs, barriers, and service goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and their families.
• Educate individuals and families regarding Regional Center services, generic resources, benefits, and community programs.
• Assist clients in accessing medical, educational, behavioral, mental health, housing, financial, transportation, and social service resources.
• Advocate for individuals and families to ensure they receive appropriate services and supports.
• Maintain regular contact with clients through home visits, office appointments, phone calls, virtual meetings, and community visits.
• Conduct routine home visits to assess client needs, monitor progress, and provide ongoing support.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate family education and support groups.
• Assist families in understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individual Program Plans (IPPs), and other service planning processes when appropriate.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Regional Centers, tribal organizations, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community partners.
• Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed services, particularly when serving Native American individuals and families.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Complete all required reports, progress notes, referrals, and documentation within established timelines.
• Report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse to the appropriate authorities as mandated by law.
• Respond promptly to client phone calls, emails, and other communications.
• Maintain an organized calendar and effectively manage appointments and caseload responsibilities.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience providing case management, family support services, community outreach, or social services preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or other special needs populations strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Native American communities or culturally diverse populations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Regional Center services, community resources, public benefits, and social service systems preferred.
• Understanding of person-centered planning and family-centered service delivery.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to establish rapport with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong advocacy skills and the ability to navigate complex service systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance required.
• Ability to pass required background clearances.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and family support services.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
• Strong case management and client advocacy skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Ability to de-escalate challenging situations using professionalism and compassion.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse communities.
• Commitment to empowering individuals and promoting independence.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent driving throughout the service area.
• Ability to conduct regular home visits and community-based appointments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between multiple locations throughout the workday.

Work Environment

This position is primarily community-based and requires frequent travel to clients’ homes, schools, community agencies, healthcare facilities, and other service locations. Some office work and remote documentation may also be required. Evening or occasional weekend hours may be necessary to accommodate client needs or agency events.

· Valid Driver’s License

· Reliable Transportation

· Valid Vehicle Insurance

· Pass Drug Test

· Pass Background Check

-Bilingual in Spanish/English is required