Navigation Specialists serve as the main point of contact for initiating services at Cook Inlet Tribal Council, both in person and via MyCITC online. These positions provide comprehensive support to participants in accessing resources that help them achieve their endless potential through screening, assessment, referrals, and coordination with internal and external partners. Working in partnership with our people, Navigation Specialists develop opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by connecting participants to appropriate services, resources, and support systems. The role requires strong customer service skills, cultural competency, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations in various settings.

Navigation Specialist I

• Screen and assess participant needs at the time of initial contact, both in person and virtually, to determine appropriate services.
• Make initial contact with participants by greeting them, setting up participant accounts in MyCITC, and assessing service needs.
• Maintain proficiency in all MyCITC software applications, including Apricot, MyCITC, and other communication tools.
• Make appropriate referrals to CITC departments and community partner resources based on participant needs.
• Perform data entry, answer and receive phone calls, and distribute documents to support department operations.
• Maintain accurate and complete participant records in compliance with program and agency procedures.
• Monitor and manage dedicated program email addresses and respond to inquiries appropriately.
• Manage voicemails from the main line, returning participant messages within 24 business hours.
• Receive visitors, make referrals, and answer routine questions about programs and services.
• Develop familiarity with departmental staff to facilitate effective participant referrals.
• Promote CITC programs and services to participants through proactive engagement.
• Participate in required training and meet attendance requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as assigned.

Navigation Specialist II

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Navigation Specialist I with a higher level of proficiency.
• Update and maintain all resource flyers and binders for participant access.
• Assist department staff with day-to-day operations, clerical duties, and special projects.
• Collaborate with staff and security to de-escalate participant crisis situations.
• Contribute to department safety and security by executing emergency procedures.
• Act as an ambassador of CITC services to proactively build participant relationships.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external partners about the referral process.
• Manage automated systems to support participant communication as available.

Navigation Specialist III

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Navigation Specialist I and II with an advanced level of proficiency.
• Function as an entry point for the Coordinated Entry AKHMIS system for Homeless Reporting to the Municipality of Anchorage.
• Build and maintain comprehensive knowledge of community resources including public benefits, housing, shelter, and healthcare providers.
• Support short-term and long-term participant housing efforts, including application assistance and supportive service processing.
• Provide transportation services for participants to essential appointments and meetings.
• Maintain vehicles properly including cleaning, fueling, and coordinating service needs.
• Support training and onboarding of new navigation specialists.
• Maintain directory of community resources and awareness of intake timelines and processes.

• Strong customer service skills with ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining team collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to alphabetize, code, rank numerically, and sort information.
• Knowledge of various software applications and general office procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to be non-judgmental and work effectively with people in crisis.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Group and team facilitation skills.

CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

• Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• CPR/First Aid, ASSIST, CPI Certifications, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Knowledge and/or interest in learning about Alaska Native and American Indian culture and community resources.

Navigation Specialist I

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Navigation Specialist II

• Associate's degree in Human Services or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of related experience substantially similar to the Navigation role.

Navigation Specialist III

• Associate's degree in Human Services or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Two (2) years of experience in participant service delivery in human services or a related field.
• Valid Alaska driver's license and insurable under CITC's automotive insurance, which requires a driver to be at least 21 years of age and have had a driver's license for at least three years.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience working with Alaska Native and American Indian populations.
• Familiarity with AKHMIS system and Coordinated Entry processes.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.