DDRC Navigator

Developmental Disability Resource Connection Navigator

Job Description

Status: Full-time, Non- Exempt

Reports to: DDRC Program Manager

Location:  Anchorage – WFH eligible

Summary of Position

This position is responsible for responding to individuals’ and families’ needs, including thoroughly completing DD applications with families, collecting documentation, and submitting application(s) on behalf of the individual. The DDRC Navigator must also be available to provide emotional supports and appropriate referrals to other needed services during crisis situations. Other tasks include performing call-backs and follow-up emails to agencies/families seeking information, completing filing steps for applications, conducting DDRC surveys, and maintaining up-to-date data entry for required quarterly reporting. Additional duties include assisting co-workers and DDRC peers when needed, attending staff meetings, attending outreach and training events, and professionally representing Stone Soup Group.

Duties and Responsibilities

Adhere to and competently articulate the mission, values and vision of SSG and the principles of person-directed and family-centered services.

Collaborate with individuals and families and service providers to give direction for obtaining developmentally appropriate and family-centered services.

Provide information and assistance in accessing long-term State and Medicaid funding Home and Community Based Service options, such as Medicaid Waivers

Help identify and address service gaps and barriers which make it difficult for families to help their children reach their potential.

Identify resources to fund needed services, such a DD Mini Grants

Aid accessing employment supports

Develop and maintain ongoing linkages with community resources, care coordinators, parent support groups, local school districts, and other service providers.

Assist families in learning to communicate effectively with health care providers, educators, and other service providers.

Assist families in identifying and prioritizing their needs.

Work as a team member with Stone Soup Group colleagues, staff and partners.

Help to facilitate needs assessment and program evaluation activities on behalf of the organization.

Maintain data regarding contacts with families.

Collect, update, and share resource materials that will aid the family in understanding their child’s diagnosis and associated needs.

Participate in the preparation of required reporting.

Participate in professional development opportunities as needed and required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience

Experience as family member of an individual with a special health care need and/or developmental disability

A bachelor’s degree or associate degree plus two years of experience, or four years of experience in education, human services, social work, psychology, or related field is preferred

Strong knowledge of Medicaid Waivers

Familiarity with the resources available related to developmental disabilities, mental health, special education, early intervention, Medicaid, and social service programs in Alaska (urban and rural)

Proficient in the use of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Experience with maintaining data integrity and accurate data entry

Experience working in a nonprofit organization

Skills

Ability to work with families in an empathetic, supportive, and respectful way that leads to empowerment.

Ability to identify family strengths, identify and clarify needs, and help identify solutions.

Ability to organize projects and communicate well, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with families in the community while demonstrating professionalism that reflects the core values of Stone Soup Group.

Core Competencies

Belief in and ability to articulate the vision and mission of SSG

Personal integrity and good judgment

Team player

Positive attitude

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. The employee is often required to remain in a stationary position and to operate basic office equipment, including the ability to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer. The employee is occasionally required to move inside the office building and attend meetings and events outside of the office. The employee must be able to create, review, and respond to grant and other reports and written requests for information.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Anchorage, Alaska. Work hours require flexibility, including occasional evenings and Saturdays, to accommodate family needs and agency activities.

During the initial 90-day orientation period, employees are required to work in the Anchorage office. Following successful completion of orientation, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement in accordance with agency policies and supervisor approval.

This position requires regular in-person meetings, appointments, and community outreach throughout the Municipality of Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Employees must be available to travel within these areas as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.

The ability to work virtually using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms is also required.

Compensation

Starting pay is $27.40/ per hour

Benefits include

Paid holidays

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Work from home eligibility

Supportive, flexible, inclusive, fun, Soupy work environment

NOTE: SSG is a dynamic organization changing as needed to best address its goals.  This job description is representative of duties at a moment in time and is intended as a “living document” updated periodically to reflect changes in job responsibilities and/or emphasis.  It is not intended or implied to be an employment contract but is a communication tool to explain the responsibilities, advertise the job and identify performance measures and potential training needs