Support Services Navigator , II

Assists families with self-sufficiency goals through case management of Child Care Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other Financial Assistance programs. Conducts participant intake interviews, determines eligibility for services, identifies needs and makes referrals for comprehensive services, maintains case files, processes financial assistance, and assists participants with self-sufficiency goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports the organization’s mission and goals and quality standards. Incorporate KANA’s core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, Pride, and the Sugpiaq Alutiiq Values in all activities and decisions.
• Upholds KANA’s Code of Ethics by conducting professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, and good faith in a manner that reflects positively upon the organization.
• Works with a team of case managers and coordinators to support low-income families in reaching the goal of self-sufficiency by providing one-on-one case management and monthly financial assistance.
• Encourages and supports participant efforts to gain independence through employment assistance, childcare assistance, education assistance, and personal, family, and cultural growth and wellness.
• Works with participants to identify and outline what self-sufficiency looks like to them and what their barriers are.
• Assists applicants in gathering and submitting required documentation to determine eligibility and assistance payment amounts. Upon eligibility determination, utilizes identified goals to assist participants in the development of a step-by-step plan for accomplishing them.
• Collaborates with KANA programs, community partners, local child care providers, and village-based leadership to provide resource and referral options.
• Assists participants in the application of available resources. Support participants in necessary appeal processes and external agency meetings to ensure participants’ rights and needs are addressed.
• Collaborates with licensed and KANA’s approved/relative child care providers to identify areas of educational need to ensure State and Federal Health & Safety Regulations are maintained. Assists KANA’s approved/relative child care providers by providing necessary safety training and health and safety items.
• Maintains participant case files, ongoing communication with participants, and program activity information input in the database system. Utilizes internal and external resources to meet requirements, identify priorities, and facilitate communications between programs and participants.
• Understands and follows program grant plans, policies, and procedures.
• Attends relevant and mandatory trainings and meetings, keep abreast of grant policies, procedures, and law and regulation changes, and work to improve current Workforce Development programs.

The Navigator II role encompasses all responsibilities of a Navigator I and extends further, showcasing growth in various areas and a higher level of proficiency.

• Provides backup and support to Navigator I staff by answering questions, providing guidance, and making recommendations related to the Navigator I position duties and responsibilities.
• Assists participants in finding suitable employment, by helping to apply for jobs, resume building and interview prep.
• Assists participants in finding resources available for higher education goals. This includes helping them apply for scholarships and providing support to ensure they have the tools to succeed.
• Assists in creating and updating program plans, policies, and procedures as necessary.
• Reviews and maintains an understanding of federal and state grants connected to the Child Care Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. Review Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) requirements including, but not limited to, reimbursement fee scales, income requirements, and necessary documentation.
• Plans and executes outreach and facilitate partnerships/collaboration with agencies like Alaska Legal Services, Thread, KANA Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation, Tribal entities, etc.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and two years related experience in social services, human services, or community relations work, involving customer interaction, referral services, administration, grant or program management, or budgeting; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associate's degree preferred.