Navigator- Youth Peer Support

Job Title: Navigator- Youth Peer Support

Department: Community and Social Justice  

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Part Time (10 hrs. per wk.)

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): No

Level: 1

Hiring Range: $17.50 - $18.85

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Navigators at NEKCA help community participants access a variety of our services utilizing a human-centered approach. Through compassion and relationship-building, Navigators support participants with access to programmatic offerings. Navigators are often the first faces that participants see and help make our spaces and services warm and welcoming.

This position is a Navigator for the Youth Advocacy Program in the Community and Social Justice Department which primarily supports youth utilizing the Community Youth Center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify eligibility for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines

• Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines

• Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)

• Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households

• Understand and follow all program guidance and policies

• Provide programmatic support to work team as designated by Program Manager

• Provide Program Manager with regular updates

• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Youth Center Coordinator with planning and executing youth programs and events.

• Ensure program materials and supplies are available for activities and events.

• Communicate effectively with program participants, parents/guardians, and staff.

• Follow policies and procedures for the program and the organization.

• Collaborate with other staff and community partners to create positive outcomes for youth.

• Attend meetings and trainings to improve skills and knowledge.

• Represent the program and organization in a professional and positive manner.

• Other duties as assigned by the Youth Center Coordinator.

• Be at least 17 years of age.

• Experience working with children and/or youth in a group setting.

• Understanding of Restorative Practices.

• First Aid and CPR certification.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent, or to be obtained within 120 days of hire date. A degree in education, social work, or a related field is preferred.

1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

Core Competencies:

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. 

• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.  

• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated; may need to work flexible hours (program dependent) 

• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. 

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Demonstrate familiarity with and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Complete all required training and professional development.

Core Values: 

• Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values
• Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change
• Promote social justice and equity in the community.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
• Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
• Respect the cultural backgrounds of participants 
• Ensure that services are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
• Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and ensure participant safety.
• Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
• Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users. 
• In-person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
• Be sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.
• Represent NEKCA in public and advocating for its mission.

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background, and driving records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position requires that employees have access to dependable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Position has occassionally bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of their job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

_____________________________________________________________________________

The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. 

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge receipt of this job description. In signing below, I attest that I understand the expectations of the job to which I am assigned and acknowledge my ability to perform the essential duties of the position. I further understand that management has the right to assign job duties and revise the job description. 

Name:_____________________________________ 

Signature:_________________________________ Date: _________________________

Supervisor Approval:_______________________ Date: _________________________