Navigator Care Specialist

OVERVIEW

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Navigator Care Specialist with Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) grant funds to perform human services work in the case planning and case management of adults that require wraparound services and treatment for opioid use disorder. The successful candidate will screen for eligibility, develop, implement and monitor comprehensive intervention plans while assisting in day-to-day planning and support.

The Navigator Care Specialist will work collaboratively with local stakeholders, attend interdisciplinary team meetings, testify in court, oversee general demographic data collection and analysis. The position requires basic knowledge of community resources and the ability to think critically and strategically. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in social work, psychology or related field; two years related experience and/or training in counseling, case management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid state driver's license. Work Monday thru Friday, some evenings. The position is grant‑funded for a period of one year and not guaranteed for an additional four years; however, it will be included in the 5‑year plan that must be renewed annually.

Two positions will be filled. They will both report to the Children’s Services Act and Juvenile Justice Administrator within the Department of Human and Social Services. One position will work with City of Roanoke clients and the other will serve clients in Roanoke County and the City of Salem.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

This is an exempt position.

The Navigator Care Specialist (NCS) supports and assists agency clients with the primary area of need identified as opioid use disorder. Clients are parents/legal guardians involved with Child Protective Services or Foster Care through the local Department of Social Services. The NCS will develop treatment and relapse prevention plans with a focus on opioid use although personal, social, health and economic needs are examined as part of the development of a comprehensive plan of care.

The NCS interviews clients in their home and/or in the office to assess the nature and extent of needs. Ideal qualifications include an understanding of substance abuse disorders and treatment, the child welfare system, experience working with others from varying backgrounds and demographics, and experience working with adults with substance abuse and mental health needs. The NCS identifies needs, counsels families by addressing specific areas of attention and/or issues with regard to keeping children safe in their own homes with a focus on relapse prevention of opioid use.

The NCS maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, recommendations and testifies in related court hearings as required. Additionally, the NCS performs work with agencies such as the courts, schools, child welfare, private providers and other community partners.

Works with parents in which opioid use disorder is the primary reason for agency involvement through Child Protective Services or Foster Care with an overarching goal to help effect changes in family and achieve family reunification.

Interviews clients to assess the nature and extent of needs.

Develops and monitors individualized service plan goals, counsels with clients and confers with supervisor in formulating and assisting adults with the implementation of service plans. This includes consideration of opioid use disorder and clinical needs with an emphasis on emotional, social and intellectual functioning.

Conducts home visits to assess risk factors and implement interventions. Assists with the identification of displaying risk factors associated with opioid use disorder and consults with collateral stakeholders regarding progress and continued areas of need on service plan goals.

Conducts family, individual and group planning sessions. This includes participation in Family Assessment and Planning Team meetings and Family Partnership Meetings.

Prepares progress evaluations and recommendation reports.

Routinely provides testimony in court.

Maintains detailed and accurate records.

Works collaboratively with other community agencies for service coordination and program development. This includes referrals to community resources and providers such as clinics, substance abuse treatment, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.

Performs work with public and private agencies such as Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, clinical professionals, etc.

Coordinates transportation for clients as necessary.

Collects and analyzes data on barriers to service goals, baseline data and trends over time.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or…