Community Navigation Specialist

The Community Navigation Specialist serves as a bridge between clients and community-based service providers, helping clients navigate systems, access required services, and build confidence in managing future processes independently. This role focuses on client outreach, referral coordination, appointment navigation, and support services without providing legal advice or representation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to eligible client populations.
• Refer all case-specific immigration legal questions to licensed or accredited legal service providers; this role does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or case management of legal proceedings.
• Provide individualized navigation and support to help clients understand the referral process and how to access appropriate community resources.
• Assist clients with scheduling intake appointments and support timely completion of referral activities.
• Conduct regular follow-up with clients to address barriers to engagement and encourage successful completion of required appointments and activities.
• Maintain accurate tracking systems to monitor client progress, referrals, appointments, and outcomes.
• Assist clients in accessing required services related to their pathway to permanent residency, including scheduling appointments with certified healthcare providers and other required service partners.
• Support clients in navigating appointment systems, transportation options, interpretation resources, and other logistical needs that may impact appointment attendance.
• Provide practical guidance that empowers clients to independently navigate service systems and manage future appointments.
• Identify barriers and connect clients with appropriate resources to help address them that may prevent clients from completing required appointments and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate with service providers to support continuity of care and successful client engagement while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Build rapport and provide strengths-based guidance that promotes client self-sufficiency and confidence in navigating systems.
• Ensure services are delivered in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered manner.
• Connect clients with community resources that support long-term stability, integration, and successful attainment of personal goals.
• Promote equitable access to services and support informed decision-making by clients regarding available services and referrals.
• Document all client interactions, referrals, appointments, outcomes, and follow-up activities in accordance with program and organizational requirements. Input client information into relevant databases and assist with reporting activities as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers, accredited immigration legal services providers, healthcare partners, interpreters, and community organizations to support client success.
• Maintain positive working relationships with established community partners and service providers to facilitate effective referrals and service coordination.
• Participate in staff meetings, training opportunities, and partner convenings as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including support for broader client services and organizational initiatives.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
• Relevant professional experience in human services field, community services navigation, or nonprofit program required; minimum of 2 years of experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with immigrant and refugee populations preferred; lived experience valued.
• Strong relationship building and diplomacy skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Detail-oriented with solid problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, Dari, and/or Pashto.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle is required.

Skills

• Community Services Navigation
• Human Services Experience
• Migrant and Refugee Support
• Relationship Building
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Multicultural Communication
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Data Entry
• Client Outreach
• Referral Process Coordination
• Appointment Navigation
• Digital Tools for Research

Languages

English