Navigator - Aurora Youth Program
Open Sky Community Services
Summary
The Aurora Youth Program Navigator will provide intensive, person-centered case management, direct outreach, independent-living support, and community resource navigation to approximately 25 young adults residing in single-room occupancy units through the Aurora Youth Program. The Navigator will work collaboratively with residents, property management, community partners, behavioral health and medical providers, educational institutions, workforce programs, and other service providers to promote housing stability, personal development, self-sufficiency, and successful transition to independent living.
Job description
Position Summary
The Aurora Youth Program Navigator will provide intensive, person-centered case management, direct outreach, independent-living support, and community resource navigation to approximately 25 young adults residing in single-room occupancy units through the Aurora Youth Program. The Navigator will work collaboratively with residents, property management, community partners, behavioral health and medical providers, educational institutions, workforce programs, and other service providers to promote housing stability, personal development, self-sufficiency, and successful transition to independent living.
Responsibilities
- Engage residents through regular, consistent, and person-centered interactions that promote trust, self-determination, independence, and successful participation in the Aurora Youth Program.
- Provide ongoing housing navigation and support to promote housing stability and successful tenancy.
- Assist residents with housing recertifications, required documentation, applications, correspondence, and other housing-related responsibilities.
- Assist residents with identifying and applying for longer-term housing opportunities and connecting with appropriate housing resources and community partners.
- Support residents in developing skills necessary for successful independent living, including household management, organization, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-advocacy.
- Assist residents in obtaining identification, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other essential personal documents necessary to access housing, employment, education, benefits, and community services.
- Assist residents with enrollment and participation in high school completion, GED, college, vocational training, certificate programs, and other educational opportunities.
- Assist residents with employment searches, applications, résumé development, interview preparation, workforce-program connections, and other employment-related goals.
- Assist residents in identifying, applying for, and maintaining appropriate public benefits and community resources.
- Support residents in developing budgeting, financial literacy, money-management, and other skills that promote long-term financial stability and independence.
- Support residents in accessing and maintaining connections with medical, behavioral health, recovery, and other community-based services when appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with providers to support continuity of care and coordination of services.
- Recognize when a resident may need behavioral health or mental health services beyond the scope of Navigator services.
- Support the resident in identifying appropriate resources and facilitate referrals or connections to qualified providers in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Provide and coordinate crisis-response supports to residents as necessary and communicate potential risk-related concerns to program leadership in accordance with established program and Agency procedures.
- Assist residents with scheduling, preparing for, and accessing essential medical, behavioral health, recovery, housing, educational, employment, and community appointments and services.
- Provide temporary assistance with transportation to essential appointments and services while supporting residents in transitioning to sustainable community-based transportation resources.
- Participate in and support resident activities, groups, workshops, and programming designed to promote independent living, self-sufficiency, social connection, education, employment, wellness, and personal development.
- Maintain appropriate communication and collaboration with property management regarding resident needs, housing stability, program participation, and other matters consistent with resident confidentiality and Agency policies.
- Act as a liaison between residents, families when appropriate, community agencies, healthcare providers, behavioral health providers, educational institutions, employers, workforce programs, housing providers, and other community partners.
- Complete all required assessments and Support Plans according to prescribed timelines and specifications.
- Develop Support Plans collaboratively with residents and ensure services are consistent with identified goals and existing comprehensive care plans when applicable.
- Implement interventions identified in the resident's Support Plan and document resident progress, services provided, referrals, and other relevant activities in accordance with Agency requirements.
- Complete all required documentation accurately, objectively, and within established timelines.
- Maintain a permanent record of activities and services provided.
- Communicate potential risk-related information and other pertinent information to program leadership according to established program and Agency procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries while treating all residents with dignity and respect regardless of ability status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other individual characteristics.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, case consultations, trainings, and other assigned meetings.
- Seek supervisory guidance when resident needs exceed the Navigator's scope of responsibility.
- Acquire and maintain all necessary training and certifications required for the position.
- Participate in the On-Call rotation, as required by the program and Agency.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Schedule and Work Environment
This is a full-time, fully in-person position. The Navigator will provide consistent on-site support to residents of the Aurora Youth Program. Proposed Schedule: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. The position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule due to the need for consistent on-site availability and direct support to approximately 25 young adults residing in the program. The Navigator will regularly work in residential, community, and other settings as necessary to support residents in achieving their goals.
Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving history and reliable, insured transportation required.
- Minimum of two years' experience working with or lived experience with homelessness, justice involvement, adults or young adults with behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, and/or underserved populations required.
- Experience working with young adults transitioning to independent living, housing programs, education, employment, or community-based services preferred.
- Excellent communication, documentation, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness
Company overview
Open Sky Community Services is a comprehensive mental health care organization dedicated to providing integrated behavioral health services to individuals and communities. As a healthcare provider specializing in mental health services, the organization focuses on delivering person-centered care that addresses the complex needs of those experiencing mental health challenges. Their services typically include outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, community-based support programs, and residential treatment options. Open Sky Community Services operates with a mission to promote recovery, resilience, and wellness through evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care approaches. The organization serves diverse populations across multiple communities, offering accessible mental health resources and support systems. Their work emphasizes collaboration with other healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations to create holistic care networks that support individuals throughout their recovery journeys. By focusing on both clinical excellence and community integration, Open Sky Community Services plays a vital role in addressing mental health needs and reducing barriers to care for vulnerable populations.