Human Services Navigator

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and in your community? Join Albemarle County's Department of Social Services and #workwithpurpose. 

We are currently hiring a full-time Human Services Navigator and would love to welcome you to our team! 

Essential Functions:

• Works collaboratively within multiple systems inclusive of schools, DSS, families and community;
• Engages and provides services to families on a voluntary basis through referrals;
• Develops comprehensive assessments of the strengths and needs of clients/family;
• Counsel's families in the development of a meaningful service plan based on the assessment;
• Assists and supports families in their use of agency, school and other resources;
• Provides direct support and counseling by teaching problem-solving strategies and providing tools for families to address areas of need;
• Convenes case management team as necessary;
• Maintains professional confidential case records according to state and federal law and policy;
• Provides accurate and timely updated entries unto the required information systems;
• Advocates for families to gain access to needed services;
• Assist and supports clients in their use of agency and other resources;
• Participates in the identification of social problems and advocates for the development of needed resources;
• Interprets agency programs and policies to other agencies and the community;
• Attends and participates in related departmental and faculty meetings and training.
• Serves when called upon to assist in emergency situations, including emergency sheltering and serving as primary contact.

Competency: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of social, economic and health problems.
• General knowledge of social institutions and the methods of the helping process; general knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge of policy affecting practice with children and families.
• Ability to identify social problems and needs and to assess the ability of individual and families to utilize services in problem solving; acceptance of rights, responsibilities and differences of others.
• Ability to work effectively through counseling and other methods with individual and families in helping them solve their problems ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws, policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with families, co-workers, other professional and technical staff, social agencies, schools and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively with others in departmental and school-based teams.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and PC software particularly in Windows and Microsoft Office.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must be willing to work flexible work week based on department, school, and family needs.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or other human services field.
• Previous experience working in a local department of social services providing direct services to children, adults and/or families, or closely related experience, preferred.
• Lived experience with systems of care a plus. Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Administers work to the public typically in community settings and in families’ homes, often in remote rural areas or in the school.
• Frequent contacts with families and coordination with other public and private agencies (i.e., school, clinics, etc.) are required.
• Involves frequent driving, walking, and standing.
• Must be able to assist physically dependent individuals.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for hybrid remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $29.13 -$32.20 per hour (approx. $60,599 - $66,977 per year.) Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Friday, July 5.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.