Transition Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Transition Navigator

Employment Type: Full Time

About The New Foster Care

The New Foster Care (TNFC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of Oakland County. Founded in 2016, TNFC is a faith-based organization committed to making transformative changes within the Michigan foster care system and creating measurable, meaningful impact in the lives of youth and emerging adults with lived experience in foster care.

TNFC serves people ages 14–29 through its Bridge Program, a comprehensive transitional support model that centers the young person as the driver of their own life plan. Participants work with a Transition Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, Personal Wellness Coach, and Attorney to address any issues hindering their progress and develop a strategy for success across six life domains: Education, Employment, Housing, Transportation, Mental & Physical Health, and Community Connection.

Our work is grounded in relationship-based, trauma-informed, and strengths-focused practice, delivered through an integrated multidisciplinary team.

Position Summary

  The Transition Navigator (TN) partners with youth and emerging adults, along with their families and support systems, to build on strengths, foster resilience, and promote successful transitions into adulthood. Using a person-centered and trauma-informed approach, the TN – functioning as the primary case manager - provides individualized guidance and in-vivo coaching across the five transition domains to support participants in achieving their personal, educational, and career goals.

The TN delivers a range of case management services, including prevention planning, skill development, vocational and educational support, employment readiness, and connection to community resources. This role focuses on empowering participants to develop independence, enhance life skills, and overcome barriers related to life transitions. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the TN is accountable for the participant’s overall progress and for coordinating the team’s expertise on the participant’s behalf.

The TN works under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Transition Services and/or Transition Services Supervisors.

Essential Responsibilities and Expectations Case Management & Service Coordination

• Maintain a minimum caseload of 20 active participants.
• In fidelity to the Transition to Independence (TIP) model, develop and maintain each participant’s individualized plan of service, ensuring alignment with the participant’s transition and independence goals.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of each participant’s current situation, goals, barriers, and progress across all five transition domains.
• Conduct consistent in-person weekly engagements with participants in the community, in their homes, or in the office setting to provide hands-on, individualized support.
• Provide in-vivo coaching and model real-world skill building during community-based interactions to strengthen daily living, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills.
• Transport participants to appointments as needed and actively support engagement during medical, mental health, court, housing, employment, and educational appointments to ensure understanding, advocacy, and follow-through.
• Assist participants in identifying, accessing, and navigating community resources, including benefits, educational supports, workforce programs, and foster care specific resources. Monitor all internal and community referral sources through to completion.
• Coordinate care and advocate across community stakeholders (mental health, education, vocational, housing, medical, legal, and community service systems) to ensure integrated support.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, service records, and outcome data within electronic systems.
• All case management notes must be submitted within 24 hours of participant contact.
• Utilize technology efficiently and uphold confidentiality and ethical standards, including but not limited to HIPAA regulation.

Safety & Crisis Support

• Screen for risk behaviors and apply TIP methods to promote stability and resilience as part of ongoing participant engagement.
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that support emotional regulation, decision-making, and healthy coping.
• Respond calmly and effectively in high-stress or crisis situations to ensure participant safety and well-being.

Professional Contribution & Growth

• Demonstrate knowledge of human development, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and strength-based practices.
• Participate actively in team meetings, service planning, and ongoing training and professional development.
• Communicate professionally, contribute to a respectful team culture, and adapt positively to change.
• Maintain flexibility to work non-traditional hours and travel throughout the Metro Detroit area with reliable transportation.
• Manage multiple responsibilities with strong organization and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related health and human services field.
• At least 1 year experience working with youth and/or emerging adults involved in foster care, juvenile justice, or other child- and family-serving systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current State of Michigan Limited or Full Social Work License (LLBSW or LBSW)
• At least 2 years foster care experience
• At least 1 year child welfare experience

Additional Work Requirements

• Maintain a valid, unrestricted driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and automobile insurance, along with reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting program participants.
• Consistently demonstrate professionalism and adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and
• TNFC’s Code of Ethics and Conduct in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Support team and program needs by completing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The New Foster Care non-profit organization based out of Oakland County, launched in 2016. Our focus is to 1) assist young people with experience in foster care to positively change the trajectory of their lives; and 2) positively impact the foster care system that serves them by advocating for innovative programming and policy and legislative reform.

The New Foster Care envisions a future where every young person with experience in foster care can transition into adulthood equipped with the skills needed to lead a meaningful life. The Bridge Program helps youth by creating a vision for the future, and empowers them on their journey to independence.

Participants work with a Transition Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, Personal Wellness Coach, and Attorney to address any issues hindering their progress and develop a strategy for success along 6 life domains:
Education, Employment, Housing, Transportation, Mental & Physical Health, and Community Connection.

Company Description

The New Foster Care non-profit organization based out of Oakland County, launched in 2016. Our focus is to 1) assist young people with experience in foster care to positively change the trajectory of their lives; and 2) positively impact the foster care system that serves them by advocating for innovative programming and policy and legislative reform. \r\n\r\nThe New Foster Care envisions a future where every young person with experience in foster care can transition into adulthood equipped with the skills needed to lead a meaningful life. The Bridge Program helps youth by creating a vision for the future, and empowers them on their journey to independence. \r\n\r\nParticipants work with a Transition Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, Personal Wellness Coach, and Attorney to address any issues hindering their progress and develop a strategy for success along 6 life domains: \r\nEducation, Employment, Housing, Transportation, Mental & Physical Health, and Community Connection.