Family Navigator

About Our Organization: EnCompass: Resources for Learning is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 by families, educators, and community leaders to meet the needs of Rochester students. Today, EnCompass provides 2,400 students and their families, annually, with a cradle-to-career pathway of academic, wraparound, college and career-readiness, and job training and placement services.

Summary:The Family Navigator helps families build their capacity to support their children’s academic success at home, in the community, and at school. Through a solutions-focused approach, the navigators support families in identifying strengths and needs, then developing action plans to address those needs. The person in this role will be part of a team focused on mitigating barriers to student and family success by connecting families to community services and strengthening the school-to-home linkage. This position requires a high level of flexibility, familiarity with local resources, and the flexibility to work some evening hours as needed.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Assess referred families’ assets and needs through a non-diagnostic interview process, and work with the family to create short, intermediate, and long-term goals
• Create a plan of action to address immediate needs, mitigate barriers to school engagement, and work toward self-identified goals
• Maintain appropriate records and data regarding contacts, family engagement, progress toward goals, and other relevant information
• Develop trusting relationships with families by meeting regularly in home, community, and school settings
• Utilize a solutions-focused approach to help families identify assets and strengths and leverage them to solve problems
• Refer and connect families to appropriate community resources that can address their specific needs
• Communicate with direct service providers to ensure appropriate referrals, monitor family progress, and help the family coordinate services
• Collaborate with school-based staff to understand students’ needs, monitor student progress, and foster effective communication between school and family
• Support families in developing school-to-home linkages, engaging with the school community, and effectively communicating with school staff
• Assist with planning, organizing, and setting up, and facilitating events and activities that offer opportunities to deepen bonds within families and build peer networks between families
• Attend and support the facilitation of monthly evening events, parent trainings, and an annual multi-day overnight camping trip
• Transport families in EnCompass vehicles, when necessary, to increase participation and engagement
• Collaborate with team members to identify and/or develop learning opportunities for families to increase knowledge and skills related to supporting students’ academic success, effectively communicating with schools, and stabilizing social determinants of health
• Guide families through transition process when goals have been met to support long-term success
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered within the organization or through community partners, as deemed appropriate by program or organization leadership                       

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Unyielding commitment to students, families, and the EnCompass mission
• Excellent judgment and student-centered mindset
• Effective communication skills, particularly as they relate to the development of trusting relationships with students and families
• Ability to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds 
• Collaborative approach to service delivery and conflict resolution
• High standards of professionalism in all aspects of performance
• Flexibility and creativity in developing and delivering services and programs  
• Familiarity with current research in developmental relationships, family engagement, education, and social services
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartboard technology

   Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or related field; 3 years of related experience working with youth and families; valid NYS driver’s license

Salary: 

• $62,353-$74,353/year based on relevant experience 

Scheduling: 

• Weekday availability is essential, with rare need for evening or weekend flexibility based on event need. 

Organization Employee Benefits: 

• 6% employer-match for retirement savings, upon hire.  
• Healthcare plans for individuals starting at $0.
• HSA with employer contributions.
• Paid holidays and generous PTO package. 

Commitment to DEI: 

It is our pledge to nourish an organizational culture which strives to:

• Embrace diversity in all forms and structure policies and practices to increase representation of qualified individuals who reflect the communities we serve
• Prioritize equity in employment, compensation, promotion, and professional development
• Increase access to quality services, educational and economic opportunities, and lifelong success for students and families
• Value the unique backgrounds and experiences of each person we employ and serve
• Cultivate a work environment where all people feel safe to express ideas

Key Words: 

• family-centered advocacy, resource mapping, referral managements, whole family approach, family education 

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