Community Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Resource Navigator at CareerSource Palm Beach County serves as a vital link between job seekers facing barriers to employment and the resources available in the community. The primary responsibility of this role is to build strong relationships with community partners, leveraging these connections to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment and achieving family self-sufficiency. The Community Resource Navigator employs active listening, trauma-informed care, empathy, and organizational skills to guide individuals through the process of formulating personalized plans to overcome obstacles and attain their career goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, including local government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and employers.

2. Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals facing barriers to employment to identify their needs, strengths, and goals.

3. Collaborate with internal and community partners to connect individuals with resources and services tailored to their unique circumstances, such as education and training programs, mental health services, childcare assistance, transportation support, and housing assistance.

4. Provide one-on-one support and guidance to individuals, utilizing active listening and empathy to understand their challenges and empower them to navigate the job market successfully.

5. Assist individuals in developing individualized career plans, setting achievable goals, and accessing training opportunities and employment services.

6. Stay informed about relevant local, state, and federal programs and resources available to individuals with barriers to employment.

7. Apply for and manage specialized grants related to serving special populations and initiatives focused on priority populations, such as veterans, low-income individuals, and other marginalized groups.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, or a related field (preferred) or equivalent combination of training and work experience in lieu of degree preferred.

• Proven experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment, such as homelessness, substance abuse, mental health challenges, criminal backgrounds, or limited education.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse populations.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Familiarity with local community resources and social service agencies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.

COMPETENCIES/ABILITIES

Functional/Technical Skills: Possesses the ability to quickly learn and proficlently navlgate various work-related systems, including but not limited to Employ Florida, Smartsheet time and attendance system, Microsoft Outlook and Calendar, Microsoft Office Suite, and Gazelle. Capable of effectively documenting work processes and outcomes within these systems to maintain accurate records and facilitate collaboration.

Collaboration: Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including employers, community organizations, and government agencies. Utilizes collaborative approaches to maximize support for clients and achieve common goals, fostering partnerships and synergies among stakeholders.

Active Listening skills: Utilizes active listening techniques to fully engage with individuals, attentively processing their verbal and nonverbal cues to grasp the underlylnB concerns and needs. Demonstrates patience and empathy while listening, asking clarifying questions and reflecting back information to ensure understanding and demonstrate genuine interest.

Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates genuine empathy and compassion towards individuals facing barriers to employment, recognizing, and validating their experiences and emotions. Strives to understand their perspectives and challenges, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment that encourages trust and openness.

Communication: Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey information, provide guidance, and establish rapport with clients and stakeholders.

TRANSPORTATION

Reliable transportation and the ability to travel in personalor commercial vehicles as required to accomplish assigned duties. lf traveling in your personally owned vehicle, valid vehicle insurance is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment may include office settings, employer work sites, outreach activities to partner sites (to include homeless shelters), community outreach events, and interactions with diverse populations.

PHYSICAT DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfunctions ofthisjob. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform the major responsibilities unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

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