Community Wellness Navigator

Description

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.      

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.   

Community Wellness Navigators (CWN) serve as community educators and connectors. This role is intended to provide invaluable outreach, education, document preparation, and navigation assistance to Chicago’s marginalized communities. Through advocacy, communication and resource management, the (CWN) will promote equality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes. Services include but are not limited to: Emotional support navigating the criminal justice system, including police departments, legal services and the courts. Services take place at BUILD, in the community, and other locations as needed. The (CWN) reports directly to the Director of Community Engagement. 

Responsibilities/duties are but not limited to:

• Advocates for victims of crime facing legal matters, including appeals, reconsiderations, and attempts to meet family needs through alternative resources when necessary 
• Connect violence-exposed youth and their families with comprehensive services that promote healing, foster life-skills, and prevent high-risk/consequence behaviors that make them vulnerable to violence and other negative outcomes 
• In accordance with grant expectations, conduct monthly “know your rights” groups as well as participate in community outreach to further awareness of navigation services. 
• Contributes to client related data systems for record keeping and reporting purposes 
• Contributes to reports as required per grant 
• Conducts assessment of client’s immediate needs and circumstances to develop an appropriate service plan 
• Utilizes BUILD Universal Referral form to document and connect families to other BUILD services as needed 
• Maintains all forms required, including case notes, client service plans, referral forms, information releases related to health or disabling conditions, health information, and any other information necessary in the program participant's file, utilizing all procedures related to maintaining confidentiality at all times 
• In partnership with a Mental Health Therapist and a Community Wellness Advocate, helps to identify positive adult/youth influences to create a stronger support network for the program participant. 
• Regularly monitors client activity related to achieving personal and programmatic goals, and provides revisions to service plans as needed. 
• Establishes a regular schedule of home visits, contacts, and follow-ups to encourage the building of relationships with participants and ensure completion of service plans 
• Utilize motivational interviewing practices to engage and retain participants through the completion of their service plans. 
• Represents BUILD to broaden community awareness and support, interpreting the agency’s programs and services at program-related community, coalition, and committee meetings as needed 
• Attends departmental and agency-wide staff meetings, as scheduled, and agency-wide events, as required 
• Maintains knowledge current in the field through participation in coursework, seminars, and/or workshops 
• Participate in agency-wide fundraising events. 
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends. 
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of BUILD, Inc. 
• Assist with canvassing communities to promote BUILD services and programs. 
• Become trained in Restorative Justice (RJ) practices, specifically Circle Keeping 
• Represent the youth perspective in planning activities/events, specifically the annual RJ summit. 
• Support the Peace and Justice Center (PJC) team in promoting Restorative Justice practices and other PJC activities in the community. 

Requirements

• Minimum two years of experience working with inner-city youth in a human service setting, trauma-informed care, social service setting, or related field
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• An automobile, current insurance, and a valid driver’s license are required.
• Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with program participants, all levels of agency staff, and the various publics of the agency, demonstrating sensitivity to all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds.
• Must be willing to travel as needed
• Must be passionate about youth development work
• Must successfully pass an  extensive background check

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.  

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment