Resource Navigator in Pulaski, Virginia at New River Community Action Inc

General Description
The Resource Navigator works collaboratively with individuals and families to identify strengths, needs, and goals using a Whole Family Approach. This position provides emergency assistance and support, connecting participants with internal agency programs and external community resources to ensure coordinated, comprehensive services that promote individual or family stability, well-being, and long-term success. The Resource Navigator is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Community Resource Center, ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and organized environment that supports participants, staff, and community partners.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Client intake and Assessment: Conducts comprehensive interviews to evaluate the financial, housing and social needs of vulnerable community members.
2. Benefits Administration: Determines eligibility for public assistance, emergency food programs, housing programs while guiding clients though complex application processes.
3. Community Referrals: Maintains an up-to-date database of local resources and actively refer clients to housing programs, food pantries, legal aid, mental health services, etc. The Resource Navigator will work with consumers to establish areas of needs according to the whole family approach life scale to establish goals and make necessary referrals to resources that aid consumers in addressing those needs.
4. Financial Coaching: Educates clients on budgeting, safety net services and managing debt without providing regulated financial planning.
5. Case Management: Maintains confidential client case files, monitor progress towards self-sufficiency, and conduct follow-up meetings to ensure needs are fully met.
6. Advocacy: Facilitates negotiations and serve as a liaison with landlords, utility companies, government agencies, and community partners while providing support to individuals and families to overcome barriers to stability, such as evictions and utility shut offs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Be able and desire to work well with, people of various cultures from low-income backgrounds. Excellent communication skills required.
• Have an approach to working with families that is empathetic, nonjudgmental, respectful, and professional.
• Be knowledgeable regarding issues related to poverty.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Have the capacity to problem solve, and handle crises.
• Ability to work effectively managing competing priorities in tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and possess good written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work outside of traditional work hours as needed.
• Strong desire to see outcome driven results.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with senior management, staff, potential partners and the community.

Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a valid driver's license and have a safe driving record.

Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a related field and two years of related experience.

Full-time, full-year position with full benefits.

Before employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform DMV and Criminal Record Checks. Pre-employment drug testing is also required.
Application Deadline: July 25, 2026, or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA