Family Stabilization & Integrated Care Navigator in Herkimer, New York at Center for Family Life and Recovery

Job Summary

The Family Stabilization & Integrated Care Navigator provides intensive family-centered case management services to TANF-eligible households experiencing complex challenges, including housing instability, homelessness, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, and barriers to self-sufficiency. This position works with families to identify strengths, assess needs, develop stabilization plans, and coordinate services across multiple systems to promote long-term stability, resilience, and family well-being. The Navigator serves as a central point of coordination, helping families access resources, navigate service systems, overcome barriers, and achieve individualized goals through a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and family-driven approach.

Essential Functions

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify family strengths, needs, and barriers related to housing, employment, mental health, substance use, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, and overall family functioning.
• Develop individualized family stabilization plans with measurable goals designed to support self-sufficiency and long-term well-being.
• Provide intensive family-centered case management and ongoing care coordination services.
• Assist participants with attending appointments, meetings, activities, and service requirements necessary to achieve identified goals.
• Provide crisis intervention and same-day support services, including connection to emergency housing, behavioral health, and substance use treatment resources.
• Support families in accessing and maintaining housing through housing searches, landlord engagement, advocacy, and barrier reduction strategies.
• Assist individuals and families with navigating federal, state, and local benefit systems including Social Security, public assistance, housing assistance, childcare subsidies, and related supports.
• Collaborate with SPOA, CSPOA, Department of Community Services, social services agencies, treatment providers, housing providers, schools, and community partners to ensure coordinated, non-duplicative services.
• Provide advocacy and support during service planning meetings and help ensure family voices remain central to all decision-making processes.
• Coach families in life skills, budgeting, parenting strategies, resource navigation, problem-solving, and resilience building.
• Coordinate non-recurring direct supports, such as transportation assistance, hygiene products, interview clothing, and other approved resources that reduce barriers to stability.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners to strengthen referral networks and improve service access for families.
• Participate in case reviews, staff meetings, supervision, training opportunities, and community coalition meetings.
• Complete all required documentation, assessments, case notes, service plans, referrals, and reports accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all agencies, county, state, and federal regulations.
• Provide occasional transportation of clients in accordance with CFLR transportation policies.
• Attend CFLR staff meetings and agency functions as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge

• Case Management and Human Services - Knowledge of family systems, case management practices, crisis intervention, care coordination, and community-based service delivery.
• Housing and Benefit Systems - Knowledge of housing resources, public benefits, entitlement programs, and community support services.
• Behavioral Health - Knowledge of mental health, substance use disorders, recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and developmental disabilities.
• Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures including documentation, case records, electronic health records, and reporting systems.
• Computers and Technology - Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, electronic record systems, data entry, and virtual communication platforms.

Skills

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to clients, community partners, and team members while accurately identifying needs and concerns.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify solutions and remove barriers to family stability.
• Service Orientation - Actively seeking ways to support families and connect them with appropriate services.
• Care Coordination - Successfully managing and coordinating services across multiple systems and providers.
• Communication - Communicating clearly and effectively in both verbal and written formats.
• Problem Solving - Identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions that support family goals.
• Organization and Time Management - Managing caseloads, documentation requirements, and competing priorities effectively.

Abilities

• Written Comprehension - Ability to read and understand written reports, policies, and client information.
• Oral Comprehension - Ability to understand information presented through spoken communication.
• Oral Expression - Ability to clearly communicate information and recommendations to clients, families, and professionals.
• Written Expression - Ability to effectively document services and communicate through written correspondence.
• Relationship Building - Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with families, community partners, and colleagues.
• Adaptability- Ability to respond effectively to changing client needs and crisis situations.

Work Values

• Kindness - Showing care through service, compassion, respect, and supportive engagement.
• Integrity - Following through on commitments and maintaining professionalism and accountability.
• Excellence - Delivering high-quality services while continually seeking improvement and growth.
• Efficiency - Working collaboratively and effectively to achieve positive outcomes.
• Purpose - Supporting CFLR's mission and empowering families to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
• Courage - Taking initiative, addressing challenges directly, and advocating for families when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in case management, housing services, behavioral health, family support services, care coordination, or a related human services field preferred.
• Experience working with families experiencing housing instability, behavioral health challenges, poverty, domestic violence, substance use, or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with community partners and service providers.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and team members.
• Current and valid New York State driver's license with reliable transportation.