Community Navigator

Community Navigator Opportunity!

 

 

This position will work closely with the following communities: 

Elmwood Park, Riverside, Steger, Richton Park, Niles, Matteson, Park Forest, and Des Plaines

 

Annual salary: $50,000.00

 

This is a grant-funded opportunity available through September 2023.

 

Despite the generally increased availability of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine providers across Illinois, disparities persist in vaccine confidence, vaccine access, and uptake among groups by race, age, and geographic location. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Community Navigator to assist in, and lead community-level efforts, for a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination uptake program throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. This role will sit in the Y's Community Investment & Social Responsibility Department.

 

The Community Navigator is responsible, in conjunction with the Program Director, for community engagement, navigation, and widespread efforts under the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago's COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Program. This position will be responsible for overseeing the community-engaged aspects of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake efforts which will include, but not be limited to: establishing partnerships with community stakeholders, identifying community residents and members most in need of COVID-19 related services and assistance (with expansion potentially to other identified health inequities within the community), navigation of community residents and members to services, education on COVID-19 mitigation and other health issues (when identified within the community), and general implementation and expansion of the COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Program.

 

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees 
• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Y's retirement fund 
• Be part of a team that is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and members
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary Adult YMCA membership and an employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

 

Scope of Responsibilities:

 

Operations Management

• Develops and maintains relationships with community stakeholders, members, and other key community leaders in target focus areas
• Aids in identifying populations of special consideration (i.e. high COVID-19 rates, high rates of chronic comorbidities, low access rates)
• Leads community outreach and engagement efforts, with aid from the Program Director
• Liaisons marketing strategies for events, recruitment strategies, and outreach efforts
• Navigates individuals to services for COVID-19 vaccination, education, and other mitigation efforts
• Monitors and manages grant budgets and spend, in conjunction with the Program Director
• Aids in the coordination of vaccination drop-off efforts
• Aids in the coordination planning and implementation of COVID-19 mitigation events and other efforts
• Aids in management of community partners, stakeholders, and community members to identify and execute on COVID-19 vaccination uptake and other transmission mitigation strategies
• Aids in marketing of COVID-19 and other health equity events, efforts, and initiatives at the community level
• Supports the mission and strategic plan of the YMCA with other projects and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma/ GED required. Bachelors degree preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Minimum three years experience with health navigation at the community level. Experience with COVID-19, or communicable disease health navigation, is preferred
• Experience conducting community-based health education. Experience with communicable disease education preferred.
• Cultural competence expressed via experience in working with diverse communities (race/ ethnicity, economic, educational)
• Strong human relations skills, as well as, personal values and work ethics that are consistent with the YMCA philoso
• Ability to lead, motivate and support a diverse, high-performing team including identifying, selecting, onboarding, developing and evaluating team members.\
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with members, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
• Ability to travel by car throughout the Chicagoland suburbs
• Flexibility to attend weekend and/or nighttime events and program efforts
• Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

YMCA Vaccine Policy

We're committed to the health and wellness of our employees, members, program participants, and those most vulnerable. If hired by the YMCA, you will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination no later than two (2) days prior to your start date, unless an exemption for a medical condition or sincerely-held religious beliefs is granted.

 

Child Abuse Prevention:

Supports the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Employment Type: OTHER