Starting Rate: $25.50/hour 

$26.00/hour if Portuguese or Spanish speaking

The Navigation Lead provides training to Navigation staff and offers services to individuals and/or their caregivers referred to the Intercultural Family Support Center for ongoing Navigation support. The Navigation Lead is expected to initiate the person-centered planning process, develop the Family Support Plan and/or Expenditure Plan, and be the lead staff rendering services to caregivers and working closely to identify family needs and strengths.

This is a hybrid position based out of Framingham and provides services across the DDS Middlesex Area Office. Navigators work with individuals and their caregivers in their homes and local communities. Hours are flexible based on the needs of the families served. The anticipated schedule includes weekdays, weekends, and evening hours, to support family, DDS, and/or event needs.

Are you ready to make a difference?

• Work with families and peers to assess family needs and strengths, develop and implement a Family Support Plan on time in response to identified needs including, but not limited to, independent living skills, educational/vocational, social recreation, behavioral/clinical, and medical needs.
• Develop expenditure plans and process family requests timely, in adherence to program guidelines.
• Assist individual/caregiver to access and navigate public benefits (housing, social security, fuel assistance, SNAP, health insurance) and access general local, state, and/or federal resources (food pantries, immigration services, home modification programs, medical equipment, healthcare providers, MRC, DDS, employment centers, Medicaid long-term services and supports, senior services, home care services, local charitable organizations).
• Remain knowledgeable of community resources to support individual and/or caregiver needs.
• Assist caregivers in identifying and coordinating access to clinical and behavioral supports, inclusive and recreational activities, transportation, and skills training
• Identify, coordinate, and implement an annual training series to address the needs of the families served by the center.
• Provide training and/or resources to families on public benefits and entitlements; understanding basic educational rights and the Individual Education Plan (IEP); transition from high school; guardianship and other options; planning for the future; sibling workshops; and other relevant such as treatment modalities as identified by Center staff, families, and individuals, and DDS area office.
• 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.
• Orient and train staff in person-centered planning and provide ongoing support.
• Facilitate support and skills development groups as identified

• BA/BS in social services or associate’s degree or High School Diploma and at least 2 years experience working in community human services or lived experience navigating complex community health and human services for individuals living with Intellectual/Developmental Disability or Autism.
• 5 years of relevant experience supporting children with the intellectual/developmental disability or in the community as a skills trainer, teacher, or paraprofessional.
• Personal family experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities, or autism may substitute for educational requirements.
• 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.
• Must have valid driver’s license, car insurance, and access to auto to transport individuals across the DDS Middlesex Area Office.

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.