Population Health and Equity Specialist (Early Childhood Education Navigator)

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Navigator provides direct support to families of young children (ages 0-5) by connecting them to high-quality early childhood programs and developmental services. This position combines family-facing navigation support, referral follow-up, and data tracking, with closer alignment to clinic operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Support families with children birth to age five by discussing available early childhood options, making referrals, and assisting with enrollment to community-based programs, including but not limited to: Child care and preschool, Head Start and Early Head Start, Early Intervention services, Preschool special education and special education evaluations, Home visiting programs, Early childhood behavioral health services and programs, and other early childhood community programs (e.g. library programs, play and learn groups).
• Conduct outreach to families referred from clinic providers to assess needs, explain program options, and support enrollment. Follow up with families after referrals to assess enrollment success and identify barriers. Provide support and problem-solving to overcome barriers identified. Attempt multiple follow-ups using phone, text, email, or mail as needed. Work more intensively with families who need additional assistance navigating complex systems such as Early Intervention or preschool special education. Provide case management level support to assist families in completing program applications, obtaining and providing required documentation needed for application (birth certificate, proof of address, proof of income, medical statement, immunization record, dental statement, custody paperwork, etc…).
• Serve as a consistent early childhood resource within assigned clinics and collaborate closely with providers and clinic staff. Provide informal and formal education to clinic staff, residents, and providers on early childhood programs and referral pathways, as needed. Maintain and regularly update early childhood resource materials available within clinics.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all referrals, follow-up activities, and outcomes in required spreadsheets and electronic medical records (EPIC). Track referral volume, enrollment outcomes, and follow-up attempts to support reporting and continuous quality improvement efforts. Assist with data analysis and preparation of reports or presentations related to early childhood referrals and enrollment outcomes. Participate in quality improvement activities (e.g., identifying barriers to enrollment, supporting workflow improvements with clinics and community partners).
• Communicate and collaborate with community early childhood programs to support referrals and address enrollment challenges. Participate in internal meetings related to early childhood initiatives, clinics, and program improvement, as appropriate. Attend community or cross-system meetings as needed to strengthen partnerships and stay informed about early childhood resources.

Required Job Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of work experience OR a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of work experience OR a Master's Degree and 0+ years of work experience.
• A previous experience supporting families with enrollment in early childhood programs.
• Familiarity with early childhood options for low-income families.
• Knowledge of the Early Intervention system and preschool special education.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field.

About Us

Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. Cincinnati Children's Is Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) One of the nation’s America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune Consistently certified as great place to work A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.