Position Summary: 

The Navigator for the Washington, DC Career MAP Workforce Development program will serve as the main point of contact for participants (Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program (FRSP) participants referred to Fedcap by the District of Columbia's Department of Human Services). The Navigator expected to be highly skilled staff that can incorporate evidence-informed practices in their work, navigate complex systems, and effectively coordinate with DHS and other partners Navigators shall move beyond traditional case management as some DC residents have found traditional case management to be transactional and even punitive, with too much of a focus on compliance activities and/or taking any job available. They want an advocate who responds to their needs as a unique individual, provides healthy motivation to reach their goals, and adds value to their lives.

Career MAP Program Overview

The District of Columbia (District) Career Mobility Action Plan (Career MAP) is a groundbreaking program designed to remove barriers that families confront as they pursue employment that can sustain their families. The program will provide resources directly to families who have experienced homelessness, are committed to pursuing a career, and are at risk of losing cash, food, health care, childcare, and housing benefits more quickly than their income can cover these lost resources (also known as 'benefits cliffs').

Career MAP takes a holistic, two-generational approach to supporting families. As Ascend at the Aspen Institute models, a two-generational approach includes the foundational components of family well-being: career pathways, child development, financial assets, health and wellbeing, and social capital. Most importantly, Career MAP recognizes families as drivers of their own success and the program will tailor service connections to meet the needs of individual participants. Career MAP | dhs (dc.gov)

Essential Job Functions:

Work with participants to develop a MAP for their career and personal goals that is updated as needed over time. This includes use of relevant assessment tools, coaching participants towards actionable next steps, and providing appropriate accountability structures to help them achieve goals. Help participants access family support resources using a two-generational approach that considers the full range of family needs. This includes support in accessing; health and wellbeing services, including mental health and domestic violence services; early childhood education and childcare services; K-12 education support for children; support networks and other forms of social capital (in addition to peer support groups detailed below); and economic assets such as public benefits, tax credits, and student financial aid, including assistance in navigating these systems. Help participants access career advancement resources, including; career exploration tools, helping participants gain a better understanding of careers that fit their interests and financial needs; education and training programs, with a focus on programs aligned with employer hiring needs, including vocational training, higher education/ degree programs, and adult education/ GED (integrated with career programs); employment placement and advancement support, including connections to paid work-based learning and a focus on promotions after initial placements – working directly with the DHS Workforce Development Specialist and any other agency contacts specified. The work of a Navigator will vary considerably based on participant needs and where they are on their MAP. In addition to coaching and planning activities, day to day work may include things like helping a participant complete paperwork, attending an appointment with a participant, and making an introduction to a service provider and following up with them and the participant to make sure appropriate services were received. Coordinate with all external Providers (including Secondary Service Providers, District Agency Providers, and Community Providers) and ensure that Customers are making meaningful progress toward goals. Responsible for conducting outreach to referred participants, engaging participants in Provider activities, and re-engaging those participants who start to participate and subsequently disengage. Responsible for the engagement of participants and works with all staff to identify appropriate activities, resources, and supports for participants; contracted services for participants are translated into measurable performance metrics that are tracked for successful job performance. Observe all policies and procedures and attend all required training and certifications as scheduled. Responsible for capturing and recording employment, education, and other goals achievement information and then working closely with the participant to obtain job promotions and/or salary increases on the job. Diligently verify and report all aspects of participant milestone achievements to DHS. Stress urgency and ownership, guiding participants through a learn-by-doing process during their service planning and delivery. Document activities, participation, compliance, and employment progress in the Electronic Case Management (ECM) systems. Assist in compiling data for reports, including but not limited to, participant timesheets and placement and retention reports. Participate in learning collaboratives through both regional and online conferences. Perform other related duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in social work, social services, counseling, business administration or related field from an accredited institution preferred. Three (3) years' experience in vocational rehabilitation, case management or related field; and/or work experience determined to be acceptable to the agency. Mental Health First Aid certified, or able to become certified within the first six-months of employment Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer