Support Navigator, Self Directed Support Program

Organization: RIPIN
Salary: $19-$21
Full Time, Permanent
CHW Certification or within 18 months
Supporting Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

About RIPIN:

RIPIN deploys a peer model to support people with special healthcare and education needs across the whole lifespan. Founded in 1991 by a group of parents of children with special needs, RIPIN continues to be peer-led: a majority of our board and more than three-fourths of our staff are parents or caretakers of loved ones with special needs.  RIPIN’s peer professionals now help more than 45,000 Rhode Islanders every year navigate healthcare, schools, and other support systems.

Job Summary: 

The Support Navigator is a peer who has lived experience in navigating Rhode Island’s systems of care for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This position will work to provide support to consumers with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, that self-direct their services through the office of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) and their families, and the professionals working with them. The Support Navigator will be a critical part of a team providing training, workshops, peer support, employment resources, and referrals. Support Navigators will engage with consumers in the home and community settings providing person-centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths, and preferences of the individual. Successful candidates will have a strong knowledge of employment supports for consumers with disabilities and posses public speaking skills and organizational skills. 

Essential Functions:

  • Outreach to consumer, families/caregivers, and professionals in a timely manner in accordance with program guidelines
  • Collaborate with partners to connect consumers with employment supports and services that will help them live safe, healthy, and independent lives in the community
  • Provide workshops, information and training to consumers that have chosen to Self-Direct services or are considering Self-Direction
  • Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required
  • Assist in data collection, surveys, assessment and reporting as required
  • Actively participate in and complete training and professional development activities as assigned 
  • Maintain confidentiality standards and accurate documentation of case records; maintain complete and accurate records within agency and program guidelines.
  • Actively participate as an effective team member in assigned agency meetings, team meetings, and community partner meetings. Make constructive use of individual and peer supervision/one-on-one meetings
  • Contribute to the overall success and quality of the agency by working constructively and collaboratively with other staff members ensuring all individuals are treated respectfully and that diversity in backgrounds and life experiences is supported and valued throughout the agency
  • Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • A deep understanding of, commitment to, and ability to carry out the mission, vision, philosophy, and values of RIPIN
  • Ability to relate to consumers and to address barriers to employment, healthcare, and wellness
  • Effectively demonstrate sensitivity to the issues facing consumers served
  • Possess intimate knowledge of adult services and systems, terminology, supports, and resources
  • Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and partner agencies
  • Ability to promote and advocate for person and family-centered, culturally sensitive care
  • Ability to identify resources for high-risk consumers 
  • Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
  • Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
  • Problem-solving skills to facilitate empowering experiences and positive outcomes with consumers
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence
  • Demonstrated written and verbal fluency in English required; bilingual English/Spanish is desired

Education and Experience:

  • High School diploma or GED and a combination of education and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
  • Expertise in the areas of employment, training and training coordination and/or data collection is preferred
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
  • Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member
  • Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
  • Previous experience in working effectively with professionals supporting individuals/ parents/families of children with special needs
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
  • A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly required to talk or hear.
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend.
  • Required to have the ability to lift and/or moves up to 25 pounds.
  • Required to remain at their station for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions/ Work Environment:

  • Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor office environment; however, may also be required to conduct visits in private homes, climbing up to three flights of stairs, and community locations.
  • Flexibility for travel related to job requirements.
  • Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Provide own reliable transportation with proof of valid driver’s license and RI minimum requirements of auto insurance.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RIPIN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

How to Apply

Please include letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to complete your application.

https://ripin.org/careers/