Dream Navigator

Salary: $83,260 - $94,803

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH), in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH), is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Dream Navigator (Youth Access Coordinator) in Columbia and Greene Counties, New York. The NYS Employment Transition Model (ETM) and Demonstration Grant Project (DreamLink NY) aims to increase access to critical services for disconnected, transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YAD) leading to post-secondary education credentials, employment, and financial self-sufficiency.

About the role

The Dream Navigator, in coordination with their local Outreach and Engagement Specialist (OES), will support participants to work towards employment and education goals. Essential to this work is a strong belief that individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant barriers, can obtain competitive integrated employment within the general workforce, side-by-side with co-workers without disabilities.

A successful candidate will develop relationships with Y&YAD and their family, demonstrating respect for various backgrounds and cultures. The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, self-direction, time management, and prioritization skills, as well as the ability to effectively organize competing demands. The candidate should be prepared to coordinate services with a variety of stakeholders, provide regular case management to Y&YAD, families, and their natural supports, and represent NYS in a professional capacity.

The primary schedule is normal weekday hours but will require periodic evening and weekend flexibility to accommodate participant and family availability. Occasional overnights may also be required for statewide ETM events. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Guide Y&YAD in career exploration and career development activities in partnership with existing systems (e.g., Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce).
• Collaborate with local Disability Resource Coordinators (DRCs) on the delivery of support to families and Y&YAD.
• Convene primary stakeholders in a Y&YAD's circle of support to ensure effective planning on an individual's needs assessment, or Dream Plan.
• Provide financial empowerment training and benefits counseling to Y&YAD and their families.
• Meet regularly with the program management and quality improvement team to discuss implementation challenges and successes, to analyze and improve implementation of the ETM.
• Attend all Network Improvement Community events.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools and various program-specific IT applications.
• Travel daily within the local region to meet with participants, families, and various stakeholders/community partners.
• Work occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate participant and family schedules.
• Travel throughout their respective region daily and periodically overnight within NYS.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, public policy/administration, special education, and/or similar field preferred. Other degrees will be considered given relevant experience.
• Five or more years of field experience supporting individuals with disabilities in the context of one of NY's systems of care, including but not limited to education, supported employment, disability supports, workforce, foster care, children and family services, and/or similar systems.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle that can be used during work hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience serving and/or overseeing programs that support individuals with disabilities and/or other marginalized populations in their communities to achieve employment and/or education goals.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal support systems, including education, disability services, public benefits, foster care, children and family services, vocational rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, or related topics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package.

Schedule

Primary schedule is normal weekday hours with periodic evening and weekend flexibility. Occasional overnights may be required for statewide ETM events.

Work Location

4400 Route 23, Hudson, NY 12534. Main office location is as listed, however could be split between additional locations and in the community based on program needs.