Community Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position is responsible for developing and maintain a network of region wide community-based service providers and referral sources to assist and support participants in their successful reintegration. This position is also responsible for stabilizing participants with essential needs and referring participants to treatment providers based on assessed or immediate need. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Establishes and maintains a network of community-based service providers that address the needs of participants to improve successful reintegration. (Providers should include state agencies, employment services, employers, housing resources, behavioral health providers and mental health providers).
• Identifies and recruits' community-based service providers to ensure all participants' needs are addressed and met.
• Meets with and connects participants to needed services.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with state, county, and federal program administrators who can assist participants.
• Works to ensure participants obtain eligible benefits, proper identification, and other vital documents.
• Acts as primary liaison between community providers and facilities.
• Assures timely communication and follow-up with State personnel in the best interest of the participants successful reintegration.
• Gain an understanding of public domain services such as National Institute of Corrections, national Reentry Resource Centre, and local Reentry Centers.
• Review opportunities for participants transitioning into their communities through community-based services such as transition centers and community-residential centers.
• Keeps current with latest re-entry research and best re-entry practices.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings, promotes communication and the proper flow of relevant information between parole administration, contractor staff and participants.
• Compiles statistical data as needed for reporting purposes.
• Communicates effectively and coherently to Parole administration, contractor staff, participants, stakeholders, the public (particularly in situations requiring tact), diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and good judgement.
• Documents referrals, follow-up calls, and significant events in accordance with Section IX, Data Management, Subsection A., Data Requirements.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

COMPENTENCIES:

• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE, MSIL, and EPLS.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years' experience working with the criminal justice population, or social services setting.
• Bachelor's degree in social services or criminal justice field if preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Alcohol and Drug Registration and actively pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is required at time of hire; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds. Use of

computer and telephone systems are required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations using approved physical de-escalation techniques.

• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee's essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions.
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations using approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.