Salary $45,000-$50,000

Advocates is seeking a Family Support Navigator to provide specialized and enhanced services to children and their families who receive services through an IFFS program.

• Thoroughly versed and knowledgeable about different clinical interventions and resources, such as services through Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative
• Versed and knowledgeable about public benefits, entitlements, and generic resources available in the geographical area.
• Administer a pool of Flexible Funding resources that is made available to address the specific support needs of families who are receiving services through this IFFS Program that are not covered by MassHealth, insurance, or other sources.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child/young adult and family situation using a family centered, strengths-based approach, to identify needs, challenges, and resources, which will inform the development of agreed upon areas to address through the IFFS program.
• Actively engage families in services, meeting families where they are, and provide intensive staff assistance and support to address identified need areas, and work on established goals and objectives to help stabilize the family situation. This includes discussion and exploration with families regarding potential services that will support the child/young adult to remain at home, and assistance navigating the service system.
• Identify and facilitate referrals and access to other services and resources that may be of benefit to the family unit such as housing, transportation, public benefits and entitlement programs, and other community resources.
• Actively assist the families in the coordination and integration of services that are available, that may include medical services, therapies, behavioral support, and educational services, in order to have a comprehensive team approach.
• Provide education, training, and/or referral for parents/caregivers to help them better care for their family member at home and to enhance their capacity to meet the individual’s physical, medical, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Demonstrate ability to work as a team with other program staff (as well as independently) in order to aid in the delivery of therapeutically indicated approaches to all individual and family /staff interactions.

• Bachelor’s degree and experience in a Human Services field, or High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of five (5) years in a Human Services field.
• Experience working with families and children/young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children/young adults who experience behavioral challenges. Knowledge in trauma-informed service delivery and have experience working with families who face a variety of social and economic challenges, such as substance use disorder, housing stability, etc. Experience in assessment, planning and problem-solving approaches.
• Current driver's license, proper auto insurance coverage, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within the community

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.