Thrive Program Navigator

About Firefly

Since 1991, Firefly has been dedicated to strengthening children and families through early childhood education, public health, and maternal health services. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we work alongside community partners to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Position Summary

The Thrive Program Navigator works one-on-one with families to assess needs, coordinate services, facilitate referrals, and support progress toward self-identified goals. This position plays a critical role in helping families navigate systems of care while building relationships that foster trust, resilience, and long-term stability. Navigators utilize the HopeHub case management system and collaborate closely with community partners to ensure families receive coordinated, holistic support across multiple areas of need.

Key Responsibilities

Family Support & Case Coordination

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned participants and families.
• Conduct intake assessments and assist families in identifying goals and action steps.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
• Meet with participants in person at least monthly in an office or community setting.
• Maintain regular communication with participants through phone, text, email, and in-person meetings.
• Support families in achieving greater stability across the 13 Social Determinants of Health.

Referral Management & Resource Navigation

• Respond to referrals within two business days.
• Schedule participant intakes within two weeks of referral receipt.
• Complete closed-loop referrals through the HopeHub system.
• Connect participants to community resources and partner agencies.
• Assist families with applications and paperwork for services and benefits.
• Coordinate care teams and collaborate with service providers to support participant goals.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain assigned caseloads and achieve annual service benchmarks established by the Thrive Iowa grant.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of services provided.
• Utilize the HopeHub Case Management System according to program standards.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, COPPA, and agency confidentiality requirements.
• Assist with TANF eligibility documentation and related processes.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Participate in required training, technical assistance, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with Firefly staff, community partners, and Thrive Iowa stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Provide services that are culturally responsive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of community resources and support systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Ability to pass required background checks, pre-employment physical, TB screening, and other required screenings.

Preferred

• Experience working in social services, human services, case management, family support, or a related field.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Experience working with diverse populations and community-based programs.

What Makes You Successful

• Compassionate and relationship-focused approach.
• Strong listening and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build trust with families and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Commitment to helping families achieve meaningful, lasting change.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. Flexible scheduling may be required to accommodate the needs of working families, including occasional evening or weekend appointments.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent sitting and standing, occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching, and regular interaction with families, community members, and team members. The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines is essential.

Work Environment

The majority of work is performed in an office setting with regular travel throughout the community to meet with families and partner organizations. The work environment is generally quiet and professional.