Hello Baby Resource Navigator

FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION
The primary responsibilities of the Hello Baby Resource Navigators are to be knowledgeable, responsive and accessible to families with newborns in Allegheny County. The Hello Baby Navigators are part of a larger network of resource navigation services in Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services, Office of Community Services.
The Hello Baby Navigator role serves as the first touchpoint for families referred to Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services Hello Baby network of supports. In this role, the Hello Baby Navigator is responsible for engaging with families of newborns and assisting them with connections to needed resources and services to assist them in raising a healthy child, and to immediately assist families in the receipt of necessary tangible goods. The Navigator also serves as a time-limited coordinator for families with newborns who are connected to other system supports (CYF, Housing & Homelessness, Family Centers, Alliance for Infants & Toddlers, Head Start, etc.) to ensure collaboration and coordination between the family and all involved providers.
The Hello Baby Resource Navigator acts as a link by ensuring that timely connections are made between families AND the recommended supports. The work is complex, requiring analytical thinking, a high degree of initiative, and independent judgement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works directly with referred families with newborns to assess needs, overcome barriers and access support.
• Proactively provides outreach activities to referred families with complex needs through various platforms (texts, phone calls, email) to connect to resources and services.
• Consistently and accurately documents attempts and progress in Hello Baby database.
• Follows up with agencies and providers to ensure connection with referred family.
• Consults with DHS colleagues to triage challenging cases and determine appropriate next steps.
• Fully participates in and/or coordinates team meetings as needed.
• Serves as a knowledgeable, responsive and accessible consult on county-wide resources and services.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Excellent working knowledge of human services and public benefit programs that exist within Allegheny County.
• Ability to work with families of newborns who are referred to the DHS Hello Baby network and be persistent in the pursuit to connect them to appropriate services.
• Strong listening and communication skills in order to direct families to the best and most appropriate resources in the county.
• Ability to build partnerships and engage in positive collaboration with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Strong community building, outreach and networking skills.
• Assessment and service coordination skills necessary to develop and maintain a positive relationship with families and all partners, especially through strengths-based/family focused strategies.
• Approachable, flexible, organized and ready to problem solve at a moment’s notice.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and work well under pressure of a fast-paced office environment, while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Comfortable researching human services and finding answers to difficult/complex questions.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants should be inherently curious and be able to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders (families in need, human service providers, DHS staff, community partners).
• Proficient with computers specifically Microsoft Windows programs
• Must possess ACT 33/ 34 and FBI Clearances.
• Must possess all background checks required by DHS.
• Full-time position requiring 40 hours per week.
• A valid driver's license, vehicle, and insurance on that vehicle to travel to clients.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s Degree in a field of study related to social services.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in a field of study related to social services with at least two years’ experience of work related to social services.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

• $24.52 an hour ($51,000 yearly)
• 18 days PTO
• 401k Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Benefit Option Fund

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