Family Navigator- Family Supports

About the role

The Family Navigator II, with the DDS funded, Dese Moms Network, provides support to families of individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism living at home in the community. Family Navigators are responsible for developing and implementing person-centered goals. They partner with individuals and their caregivers to support information and referral, service navigation, social and recreational activities, family training, facilitating mentoring programs, life skills acquisition, and/or the administration of flexible funding. Navigators actively work with individuals and their caregivers in their homes and their local communities. At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Work with families to develop and implement a Family Support Plan and Expenditure Plans in response to identified needs including, but not limited to, independent living skills, educational/vocational, social recreation behavioral, and all clinical needs.
• Assist in developing and implementing an adult mentoring program for individuals living with disabilities and/or their caregivers.
• Knowledgeable of community resources to support individual and/or caregiver needs.
• Assist families in navigating public assistance systems for benefits and other resources available to families.
• Organize and staff social and recreational events and programs for families.
• Provide training to families on public benefits and entitlements; understanding basic educational rights and the Individual Education Plan (IEP); transition from high school; guardianship and other options; planning for the future; sibling workshops; and other relevant such as treatment modalities as identified by Center staff, families, and individuals, and DDS area office.