Community Resource Navigator

Position Title

Community Resource Navigator

Classification

Full-Time

Salary

$55,000 annually

Service Area

South Suburban Cook County

Reports To

Designated Program Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Resource Navigator requires an understanding of and commitment to community-based nonprofit service delivery. The Community Resource Navigator must be comfortable working in a collaborative, participant-centered environment where staff engages directly with community residents, responds to changing participant needs, works across programs, and coordinates with multiple community partners and service providers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct community outreach and participant engagement throughout South Suburban Cook County.

Provide information about available PCS services to prospective participants, families, community organizations, and referral partners.

Assist with identifying and engaging individuals who may benefit from PCS services.

Conduct initial needs screenings and identify barriers affecting employment, housing, transportation, education, financial stability, healthcare, and other areas.

Connect participants to PCS programs and appropriate external community resources.

Maintain an up-to-date network and directory of community resources, workforce programs, employers, training providers, housing resources, benefits programs, and supportive services.

Assist participants with accessing workforce development, occupational training, job-readiness, and employment opportunities.

Support employer engagement and connect job-ready participants with appropriate employment opportunities.

Coordinate with training providers regarding participant enrollment, attendance, completion, and employment pathways.

Assist participants in accessing transportation and other supports needed to attend job interviews, training, employment activities, and program appointments.

Provide housing-related referrals and coordinate with the PCS Housing Navigator when participants require more intensive housing support.

Establish and maintain relationships with employers, landlords, community organizations, training providers, government agencies, and other referral partners.

Follow up with participants and referral organizations to determine whether services were successfully accessed.

Participate in community events, resource fairs, outreach activities, partner meetings, and program recruitment activities.

Distribute program information, educational materials, and outreach materials to increase awareness and participation.

Coordinate closely with the Case Manager to ensure participants needing ongoing or intensive support receive appropriate case management.

Document participant contacts, referrals, services, follow-up activities, and outcomes in PCS-approved systems.

Maintain accurate records necessary for program monitoring, grant reporting, and compliance.

Assist with collecting participant documentation and information required to demonstrate program outcomes.

Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, community partner meetings, and program quality-improvement activities.

Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with PCS policies and applicable state and federal requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of community resources within South Suburban Cook County.

Knowledge of workforce development, employment, housing, transportation, benefits, and social service systems.

Strong outreach, relationship-building, participant engagement, and follow-up skills.

Ability to develop productive relationships with employers, training providers, landlords, and community organizations.

Ability to identify participant barriers and locate appropriate resources efficiently.

Strong communication, organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently in community-based settings.

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic data/case management systems.

Ability to manage multiple referrals and community partnerships simultaneously.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Community Development, Criminal Justice, Business, or a related field preferred.

Previous experience working in a community-based nonprofit, social service agency, workforce development program, or similar community-serving environment is strongly preferred.

Minimum of two years of experience in community outreach, resource navigation, workforce development, social services, case management, or a related field preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of South Suburban Cook County communities and resources strongly preferred.

Experience working with underserved, justice-impacted, economically disadvantaged, or high-need populations preferred.

Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout South Suburban Cook County.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Community Resource Navigator is expected to actively engage participants, develop and maintain a strong community referral network, complete timely follow-up, document services accurately, strengthen employer and community partnerships, and contribute to R3 participant enrollment, workforce development, service connection, and stabilization outcomes.

“This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon program needs and the availability of funding.”

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Proactive Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace.