Mental Health & Social Service Navigation Specialist

• Location Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, North Attleboro,Foxboro, MA, 02035,United States
• Base Pay $20.00 / Hour
• Job Category Part Time
• Employee Type Part Time

• Email brynnek

The Mental Health & Social Service Navigation Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position serves as a non-clinical support resource embedded within YMCA programs, including childcare and after-school settings.

Working in close partnership with the YMCA Social Worker, Inclusion Team, and program staff, the Navigation Specialist supports the growing social-emotional and family needs of children and families. This role acts as a connector—bridging staff, families, and community-based resources—by providing timely guidance, support, and access to services.

With a focus on early identification, prevention, and resource navigation, the Navigation Specialist strengthens staff capacity, enhances family engagement, and increases access to critical supports. Clinical or trauma-related concerns are escalated appropriately to the YMCA Social Worker in alignment with established protocols.

• Respond to day‑to‑day inquiries from childcare and after‑school staff regarding children’s social‑emotional needs, behavioral concerns, and family challenges
• Provide non‑clinical consultation and support to staff, promoting early intervention and proactive problem‑solving
• Connect children and families to appropriate community‑based resources, including mental health services, food access, housing supports, and counseling
• Support urgent, non‑clinical situations and assist in stabilizing concerns in collaboration with staff and leadership
• Escalate trauma‑related or clinical concerns to the YMCA Social Worker in accordance with established protocols
• Collaborate with the Inclusion Team on cases involving developmental, behavioral, or accessibility needs
• Deliver and/or support staff training on topics such as mental health awareness, social‑emotional development, and supportive practices
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff across multiple program sites
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of consultations, referrals, and interventions using YMCA systems (e.g., Casebook or Oasis)
• Track and report key data, including the number of consultations, referrals, and urgent situations supported
• Participate in regular supervision with the YMCA Social Worker and contribute to program evaluation efforts
• Support ongoing collaboration with community partners, including schools, food pantries, and social service agencies
• Represent the YMCA in a professional, compassionate, and culturally responsive manner

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, education, or a related field required (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working with children, families, or community‑based programs preferred
• Understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) and barriers to accessing services
• Knowledge of—or willingness to learn—community resources and referral systems
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
• Ability and willingness to travel between program sites
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Clear understanding of the boundaries of a non‑clinical role and when to elevate concerns
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and case management tools