Illinois Welcoming Center Community Navigator

Job Title:        Illinois Welcoming Center Community Navigator

Programs:      Illinois Welcoming Center

Reports to:     Immigrant Services Supervisor

Job summary:  Illinois Welcoming Center serves as a one-stop human service center that provides comprehensive and holistic case management and service coordination to immigrant and LEP populations in a linguistically, culturally sensitive manner. IWC Community Navigator is responsible for educating and encouraging eligible immigrants with limited English skills regarding their rights to apply for and receive public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, All Kids, etc. Assist clients with application processes, including but not limited to helping them with paperwork and interpreting as needed. This position will work in the field and travel to various northwestern counties with office hours in different locations, as needed. Other responsibilities include attending relevant training; scheduling and presenting at informational meetings for benefit providers and recipients; promoting the program through Spanish-language media. This position is an hourly non-exempt position.

Summary of essential job functions:

• Provides outreach to the immigrant and refugee community about the availability of public benefits and other services that support personal and family well-being and economic self-sufficiency through various means
• Community service coordination, planning and building alliances with stakeholders in northwestern counties and Ogle County that share an interest in serving immigrants.
• Provide information and referral services to immigrant families
• Provide case management services to immigrant families who need long-term assistance accessing and maintaining benefits and services
• Ensure complete case management services including linkages with in-house or external services, follow-up and problem resolutions.
• Provide accurate interpretation and/or translation services for immigrants who have difficulty communicating with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other agencies offering supportive services due to language barriers.
• Provide crisis intervention to stabilize client and locate immediate solutions, to include mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, hunger and unemployment
• Provide culturally appropriate services
• Complete assessments to determine client eligibility
• Maintain database and client files
• Provide follow up on open cases with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other offices to ensure they are being processed as needed
• Provide follow up on closed cases even though proper documentation was submitted
• Other duties include regular attendance at staff meetings and required trainings, following a team centered approach
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO or CAO

Minimum requirements

• Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field and at least 4 years related experience
• Have expertise with various crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of Illinois public benefits and DCFS a plus
• Must be Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience working with minority populations in northwestern counties
• Ability to commute and co-locate in offices in Ogle, Winnebago, and other northwestern counties
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge base of community partners and alliances
• Ability to communicate well with others and further the mission of the YWCA
• Obtain and document a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional development annually
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to lift 30 pounds, sit, stand, bend, squat
• Current Illinois driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  This Job Description should not be read as creating an express or implied contract, nor is it intended to alter the employment-at-will relationship.  Employment with the YWCA Northwestern Illinois is “at-will” and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, at the option of either the YWCA or the employee.