SOCIAL CARE NAVIGATOR

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: United Way is seeking a committed Social Care Navigator to support our healthy community initiatives, including the LeadSafe CNY Coalition. This role assists families affected by lead exposure in navigating healthcare, housing, and social services. It is crucial to mitigate the effects of lead poisoning by connecting individuals with resources, education, and direct support while advocating for healthier communities. The navigator collaborates with community organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to ensure access to preventive health interventions, wellness programs, lead poisoning prevention, and tools to improve indoor air quality in homes.

The navigator will implement community engagement strategies such as tabling, door-to-door outreach, partnerships with faith-based organizations, neighborhood walkthroughs, and hosting community forums. They will connect families with organizations specializing in preventive healthcare, lead interventions, and air quality improvement. By collaborating with healthcare providers and community organizations, and utilizing 211 services, the navigator ensures comprehensive support for creating safer, healthier living environments.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Coalition Director, LeadSafe CNY Coalition POSITION STATUS: Full-time, hourly, Non-Exempt SALARY RANGE: $23 - $25.64 per hour, depending on experience

Essential Functions:

• Assist families and individuals impacted by lead exposure in accessing medical care, lead testing, and follow-up services.

• Educate families on lead poisoning prevention, the importance of early intervention, and safe home practices to minimize exposure.

• Collaborate with the LeadSafe CNY Coalition Director to coordinate with healthcare providers and the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to facilitate referrals for lead poisoning prevention efforts.

• Guide community members in navigating housing and healthcare, understanding the broader social and environmental factors influencing family health, and addressing these challenges in a culturally competent way.

• Assist individuals with navigating the resources and agencies to complete paperwork, accessing financial assistance programs, and understanding their rights related to lead poisoning.

• Provide referrals to legal services, housing authorities, and public health agencies as needed.

• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and health fairs to raise awareness about lead exposure and prevention strategies.

• Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to distribute educational materials on lead safety and healthy home practices.

• Conduct door-to-door outreach to educate families on lead-safe practices and identify potential lead hazards.

• Build relationships with community partners such as housing organizations, health departments, clinics, and advocacy groups to expand outreach and resources for affected families.

• Coordinate with the LeadSafe CNY Coalition Director and other coalition stakeholders to enhance community engagement and ensure timely support for families.

• Using coalition databases & early warning dashboards track and document referred cases of families impacted by lead poisoning, ensuring consistent follow-up and monitoring of referred outcomes.

• Maintain accurate records of services provided and ensure compliance with confidentiality standards.

• Use data to evaluate the impact of interventions and report outcomes to the coalition director.

• Provide feedback to the LeadSafe CNY Coalition team about the community's needs and barriers faced by families in accessing services.

• Play a pivotal role in programming such as our Lead Poisoning & Literacy Awareness Initiative, in partnership with the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County. By utilizing preventative resources and early warning systems, the navigator will coordinate outreach efforts, assist families with navigation, and provide guidance on lead testing and resource connection.

• Assist the director in developing new outreach strategies and programs to enhance community engagement and lead poisoning prevention efforts.

• Stay updated on the latest policies, regulations, and best practices related to lead exposure, healthcare access, and environmental health and well-being.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, community health, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

• Experience in community outreach, case management, healthcare navigation, or preferred (or equivalent experience).

• Experience working with low-income, minority, vulnerable populations, or preferred (or equivalent experience).

• Knowledge of lead poisoning risks, housing issues, local healthcare systems, related public health concerns, or preferred (or equivalent experience).

SKILLS/CAPABILITIES:

• Passionate about public health, environmental justice, and improving health outcomes for disadvantaged communities.

• Culturally competent and able to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse communities.

• Familiarity with local social services, healthcare providers, and community resources.

• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

The Organization United Way of Central New York is an innovative and collaborative nonprofit organization that drives solutions to the most pressing human service needs in the region. Through our advocacy and leadership, we provide impactful giving options and fund programs that help create a thriving community. Our engaged staff, board, volunteers, donors, and partnerships distinguish us as a trusted champion for positive change. We are guided by values of compassion, empowerment, collaboration, leadership, and inclusion.

Our mission is to improve lives in the region by mobilizing the caring power of the community. We believe in the importance of creative thinking, strategic leadership, and strong collaborations to bring about change and make measurable progress in improving lives.

To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to:

This job description is not an exclusive statement of the position's responsibilities. Other appropriate duties may be required. The position is open until it is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer United Way is an equal-opportunity employer. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.