Resource Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Resource Navigator

DIVISION: Adult Services

DEPARTMENT: Reentry Services

LOCATION: Samaritan Center - 5555 Conner St, Detroit, MI 48213 (East)

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time Regular

APPROVED DATE: 05/30/2025

JOB SUMMARY: The Resource Navigator will work in partnership with Career Coaches and other funding partner staff to support jobseekers in navigating and connecting to essential services required to remove barriers. These can include transportation, childcare, housing, legal aid, adult basic education, or expungement supports. This role will serve as the expert in understanding the Reentry programs’ various partners and the support they offer, including eligibility and referral process. Provides support to justice involved residents by processing participant supportive services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists customers to identify the best community resources available to meet their needs and supports referrals to those resources, including warm-handoffs to the partner organizations.
2. Develops and fosters relationships with organizations that provide barrier removal/essential services that are in proximity to the career center.
3. Creates a network of referral organizations and a resource directory to assist customers in obtaining services, as well as supports use of the Resource Map/Guide within their Center including training staff on its use, keeping information accurate and sharing info with customers.
4. Keeps information on partner organizations updated, by making routine contact to verify services, eligibility requirements and referral processes.
5. Identifies gaps within the referral partner network and works in collaboration with funding agency Implementation Coordinator to identify potential partners.
6. Advocates for and connects customers to community services, and assists in assessing available support services.
7. Follows-up with customers and partner organizations on status of barrier/referral resolution, and provides updates to career coaches.
8. Processes all supportive service payments including ensuring information is accurate, back up documentation is validated and purchase orders are completed and submitted.
9. Collects and distributes checks at the Center or other special project locations.
10. Contacts vendors to resolve any issues or concerns.
11. Assists with the procurement of vendors as needed.
12. Communicates with staff regarding any issues or concerns with documentation and requests.
13. Maintains accurate and up-to-date program databases; generates supportive services related documents and reports and submits as required.
14. Assists in maintaining an accurate record (file) system for each program participant.
15. Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.
16. Maintains accurate and up-to-date participant activity data and other related information into data systems.
17. Assists in maintaining an accurate record (file) system for each program participant.
18. Reconciles and validates reports with related data files and systems; reports errors and corrections to management.
19. Compiles program statistics and prepares regularly scheduled related reports for submission as required by SER and the funding source.
20. Provides participants with public benefits information and trains as an MI Bridges Navigator.
21. Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school degree or equivalent (GED); Associate Degree or a combination of education and experience in social work, counseling, human services, or related field preferred.
2. Computer skills necessary to utilize word processing and spreadsheet software applications and maintain required documentation.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate, build professional relationships with, and provide accurate information to community partners and program participants.
4. Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods or those who are justice impacted.
5. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
6. Bilingual language skills in English/Spanish preferred.
7. Mental ability to handle pressures related to performing multiple tasks requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions due to people and/or telephone calls.
8. Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable means of transportation to travel to various locations outside of the office, including probation, parole, and correctional facilities.

Special Requirements:

1. Must be able to pass a LEIN security clearance, Wayne County Sheriff’s clearance, and FBI fingerprinting, granting access to MDOC and/or Wayne County correctional facilities and data management systems.
2. Must possess and provide a valid Michigan Driver's License.
3. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule and have access to reliable transportation in order to travel to various American Job Center locations across the city and MDOC and Wayne County Corrections Offices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, and have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard, and other office equipment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. -This job operates in a normal school environment with a noise level, which is at times, moderately loud with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a person so classified. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.