Washington Autism Alliance

Family Navigator SUMMARY: The purpose of a family navigator program is to decrease fragmentation of care, coordinate services, and guide individuals and families seeking services through the healthcare, education, and developmental disabilities (DDA) systems. The family navigator is an integral part of the program. Navigators bridge the gaps in families’ access to care. Specifically, family navigators:connect individuals with resources and support systems;provide coaching on effective communication with agency staff and providers;help individuals and families identify and access funding sources to pay for their developmental disability needs;help individuals and families prepare for upcoming appointments;help decrease individuals' and families' fear and anxiety;help individuals and families identify and utilize appropriate social services;track outcomes.The primary responsibilities of the family navigator are to assist individuals and their families navigate through the above multiple systems.

ABOUT THE JOB

RESPONSIBILITIES:Assist in public education related to access to care (health care, special education, social services) literacy on common reasons evidence based treatments for autism may inadvertently be denied Assist in education and outreach to families and providers, including resource fairs, trainings, presentations, and self-help materialsConnect consumers to autism specific programs and services through ongoing collaboration with known autism centers of excellence and autism clinicsHelp bolster the WAA interactive statewide professional directory & resource guidePromote WAA self-help materials to families and organizations providing advice to individuals with complaints or questions about barriers in accessing disability-related care and services Refer denied consumers to legal services team Advocate for robust and consumer-friendly implementation of, and access to mandated health benefits in concert with state-based coalitions to ensure coverage of treatment for individuals with ASD’s and other consumer protections.Provide coaching and mentorship to intake screener/Resource Coordinator Revive an internship position within WAA for social workers with an interest in autism and related disabilitiesAssist in finding ways to improve direct services workflowsComplete all paperwork, including but not limited to, monthly timesheets, family contacts, and activity logs;Exhibit qualities of dependability, empathy, genuineness, respect, and maintain a positive and supportive attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in public education related to access to care (health care, special education, social services) literacy on common reasons evidence based treatments for autism may inadvertently be denied
• Assist in education and outreach to families and providers, including resource fairs, trainings, presentations, and self-help materials
• Connect consumers to autism specific programs and services through ongoing collaboration with known autism centers of excellence and autism clinics
• Help bolster the WAA interactive statewide professional directory & resource guide
• Promote WAA self-help materials to families and organizations providing advice to individuals with complaints or questions about barriers in accessing disability-related care and services
• Refer denied consumers to legal services team
• Advocate for robust and consumer-friendly implementation of, and access to mandated health benefits in concert with state-based coalitions to ensure coverage of treatment for individuals with ASD’s and other consumer protections
• Provide coaching and mentorship to intake screener/Resource Coordinator
• Revive an internship position within WAA for social workers with an interest in autism and related disabilities
• Assist in finding ways to improve direct services workflows
• Complete all paperwork, including but not limited to, monthly timesheets, family contacts, and activity logs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, human services field or related degree; related experience with human service agency or program may be substituted; bilingual a plus
• Bachelor's degree paired with lived experience is considered
• Experience as a parent or close family member of a person with ASD/DD who has been involved in multiple systems, and/or 4 or more years’ experience working with a person with special healthcare needs and their families
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to community events and meetings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Apps, email, web research, and client records management
• Ability to relate well to people from many different cultural and ethnic groups and beliefs; including an ability to work with people, clearly communicate with people, maintain confidentiality, and engage in respectful and professional interaction
• Possess comprehensive oral and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to manage time effectively, including prioritizing, using a flexible schedule, and working in a mostly autonomous environment
• Ability to adapt to organizational and departmental changes
• Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish and English

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

Preferred Qualifications: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail. Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to work well independently, as well as being a contributor in a team environment. Work with confidential information and show discretion. Flexible, creative, solution oriented.

ELIGIBLE SERVICE BRANCHES

All Services

PROGRAM COST

0

OTHER

Must be a Washington State resident or re-locating to Washington State