Navigator for Foster Youth (Chafee Program)

This posting will be open through Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4pm MST.
Pay Range: $22-23/hour

JOB DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a committed and relationship-centered individual to work with youth who are preparing to age out of the foster care system. This is a full-time, hands-on role with hybrid option up to 20% of the total work hours. The Chafee Navigator helps ensure youth have fair and consistent access to Chafee-funded services, resources, and supportive relationships that build stability, independence, and long-term success. The Navigator will provide one-on-one guidance, advocacy, and service coordination to a caseload of youth to reduce barriers, connect youth to needed supports, close service gaps, and help them reach goals related to education, employment, housing, and independent living. Your work will enable you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve and will contribute to the positive, supportive work culture at The Matthews House.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Child Development, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Counseling is preferred. Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, or Social Work is required.
• 2+ years of experience in case management or human services is preferred. 1+ year of experience working with youth and young adults is required.
• Must be able to transport and have a clean driving record.
• Must pass a CBI/FBI fingerprint screening and drug test.
• Knowledge of local community and resources preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish speaker is preferred but not required.

Essential Duties and Major Responsibilities

Participant engagement and resource navigation – 65%
· Provide direct coaching and case management services to Chafee youth, with an emphasis on independent living planning and successful movement towards independence.
· Maintain contact with clients to build rapport, assess progress, and address barriers to goal achievement.
· Conduct client intakes and participate in development, evaluation, and ongoing revision of case plans.
· Support Youth in Navigating Chafee funded services, including independent living skills, education, employment readiness, and housing stability.
· Accompany clients to appointments, hearings, school meetings, and other essential engagements when appropriate.
· Problem-solve with participants to reduce barriers related to education, employment, housing, behavioral health, housing, and life skills.
· Utilize a variety of methods to establish appropriate effective working relationships with client.
Documentation and compliance – 20%
· Document all services provided in required data systems (e.g., CCL, Trails) to ensure contract, funding, and regulatory compliance.
· Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential client files in accordance with state and agency policies and program requirements.
· Prepare and process requests for funding, including Chafee-related expenditures and flex fund documentation, ensuring proper justification and tracking.
· Ensure all documentation meets audit, reporting, and funding source requirements while aligning with The Matthews House guidelines and policies.
Referrals and resource coordination – 15%
· Coordinate services across multiple systems to ensure continuity of care and alignment with clients’ independent living plan.
· Participate as a liaison between participants and community partners including education providers, vocational programs, housing agencies, behavioral health providers, and other support services.
· Facilitate referrals to internal and external community resources, including public benefits, employment and training programs, transportation, medical care, and pro-social activities.

Assist with other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE:

• Schedule will generally be Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Occasional evenings are more frequently required to meet with youth.
• Services will be provided out in the community, in homes, and in our buildings.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with employer contribution
• 401(k) with 3% match by employer
• Paid time off, plus holiday pay
• A mission-driven environment with strong staff culture

The Matthews House Mission: Empowering youth and families through connection, self-efficacy, and independence.
The Matthews House Vision: A community that is aware, belongs, and is self-sufficient.
The Matthews House Values: Relationship-centered, Assume the best of people, Own your role, Innovation, Remain curious
The Matthews House is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability or any other status protected by state or local law.