Human Services Navigator (Albemarle)

Essential Functions:

• Works collaboratively within multiple systems inclusive DSS, families and community;
• Engages and provides services to families on a voluntary basis through referrals;
• Assess strengths and needs of clients/family;
• Assists and supports families in their use of agency, school and other resources;
• Provides tools for families to address areas of need;
• Maintains professional confidential case records according to state and federal law and policy;
• Provides accurate and timely updated entries unto the required information systems;
• Advocates for families to gain access to needed services;
• Participates in the identification of social problems and advocates for the development of needed resources;
• Manages Emergency relief funds and vendor payments to assist clients with Emergency needs;
• Interprets agency programs and policies to other agencies and the community;
• Attends and participates in related departmental meetings and training;
• Serves when called upon to assist in emergency situations, including emergency sheltering and serving as primary contact.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• General knowledge of social, economic and health problems.
• General knowledge of social institutions and the methods of the helping process; general knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge of policy affecting practice with children and families.
• Ability to identify social problems and needs and to assess the ability of individual and families to utilize services in problem solving; acceptance of rights, responsibilities and differences of others.
• Ability to work effectively with individual and families in helping them solve their problems 
• ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws, policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with families, co-workers, other professional and technical staff, social agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively with others in departmental teams.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and PC software particularly in Windows and Microsoft Office.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences, business or related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 
• Must be willing to work flexible work hours based on department and customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other human services field.
• Previous experience working in a local department of social services providing direct services to children, adults and/or families, or closely related experience, preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Administers work to the public typically in community settings and in families’ homes, often in remote rural areas.
• Frequent contacts with families and coordination with other public and private agencies (i.e., school, clinics, etc.) are required.
• Involves frequent driving, walking, and standing.
• Must be able to assist physically dependent individuals.

Remote Work:

Works typically in an office setting. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through