*Starting rate $21.50/hour*

The Bi-Lingual Family Navigator with the DDS funded, Intercultural Family Support Center (IFSC) provides support to families of individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism living at home in the community. The IFSC requires staff to be Bi-lingual in English and Portuguese and/or English and Spanish.

Family Navigators are responsible for developing and implementing person centered goals. They partner with individuals and their caregivers to support information and referral, service navigation, social and recreational, family training, life skills acquisition, and the administration of flexible funding. Navigators actively collaborate with caregivers and individuals in their homes and their local communities.

This program is based out of Framingham and provides services across the DDS Middlesex West Area Office, which includes Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlboro, Natick, Sherborn, Southboro, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westboro. Hours are flexible based on the needs of the families served. The IFSC office is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, weekend, and evening hours are required at a minimum of two times per month. Staff rotate office duties and weekend/evening programming.

• Work with families to develop and implement a support plan in response to identified issues including, but not limited to, educational, social, vocational, behavioral, and all clinical needs.
• Assist in developing and implementing an adult mentoring program for individuals with disabilities.
• Organize, gather, and maintain an ongoing register of resources for families being served.
• Assist families in navigating public assistance systems for benefits and other resources available to families.
• Organize social and recreational events and programs for families.
• Provide training to families on benefits and transition planning.
• Educate family members on policies and procedures generated by the state, Advocates, and specific treatment modalities.
• Provide skills training and support to individuals in areas including Activities of Daily Living (ADL), independence, behavioral treatment plans, community integration activities, pre-vocational skills, communication, socialization, health care and safety skills.
• Provide support to those family members as identified by Directors of Clinical Services, Program Managers and Staff members as in need of assistance.
• Maintain productive internal and external communication with staff, management, and family members.
• Draft Family Support Plans and Expenditure Plans based on program policies and procedures.
• Remain current and knowledgeable in the field of disabilities and stay informed about the needs of the families and individuals served.
• Assist with the organization of family associated committees and attend those committee meetings as needed.
• Attend trainings as assigned; maintain necessary certifications (CPR, First Aid, Safety Care)
• Attend and actively participate in supervision and staff meetings.
• Ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Strictly follow all agency performance standards.

Please note:  The essential functions listed in this section are not limited only to the tasks listed and may include other duties as assigned.

• BA/BS (or in process of obtaining) in social services or High School Diploma/GED with at least 2 years’ experience in a related field or lived experience.
• 2 years of community human service experience preferable in case management/service navigation roles working with individual and their families living with disabilities, such as Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities or Autism
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and ability to use good judgment.
• Ability to read English and communicate verbally in Portuguese or Spanish
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
• Must have valid driver’s license and access to auto.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. 

Why Should I Consider a Career in Human Services?

Our Team members are dedicated to engaging and empowering individuals by forming lasting relationships, collaboratively achieving personal goals, offering creative solutions to everyday and complex situations, and actively listening.  We exercise independent judgement and contribute to the overall success and benefit of the Team.

Is Human Services a Fit for Me?

Successful Team members are open-minded, eager and compassionate, and will exercise solid, independent judgement while fostering trustworthy relationships with the individuals that we serve.  We put the individual first.