COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. 

Job Title:Family Navigator - Connected and Strong Native Families (CSNF)

Department:Family Wellness

Reports To:Program Manager, Reunification

Supervises:None

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:N5J

ob Type:Regular, Full-Time

AKBCU: Yes      ICPA: Yes

General Functions:

The Family Navigator – Connected and Strong Native Families (CSNF) serves as a key liaison between families and the Office of Children's Services (OCS), supporting Alaska Native and American Indian families through the Team Decision Making (TDM) process and CSNF program enrollment. This position provides guidance, advocacy, and resource navigation to promote family stability, strengthen parent-child relationships, and support positive long-term outcomes. Working in partnership with our people, the Family Navigator develops opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by connecting families with culturally responsive services, parenting education, and community support. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of child welfare systems, and a commitment to CITC's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Job Specifications:

Minimum Core Competencies:

CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

• Monitor the CSNF program email daily for incoming TDM referrals and meeting invitations, and maintain the program calendar to ensure all upcoming TDM meetings are accurately scheduled and tracked.
• Contact potential participants prior to OCS TDM meetings to provide information about the TDM process, assess program eligibility, and share detailed information about the CSNF program.
• Attend OCS TDM meetings and collaborate with parents to schedule program intake sessions when interest is expressed, or coordinate with team members to ensure coverage as needed.
• Document, monitor, and follow up on all referrals using the program's tracking tool to ensure accurate record keeping and timely case progression.
• Communicate with key OCS staff throughout the referral process to verify essential information, ensure accurate documentation, and facilitate successful contact with potential participants.
• Offer placement on the program's waitlist to interested parents not yet ready to enroll, and conduct ongoing outreach to assess readiness and facilitate future enrollment.
• Complete the intake and enrollment process for new participants, including conducting initial assessments and ensuring all necessary documentation is finalized.
• Facilitate introductions during intake to the Family CINA Court Navigator and Family Contact Specialist, and provide a warm handoff to a CITC Recovery and Reentry team member to connect families with appropriate treatment options as needed.
• Provide support for participant classes and Parent-Child Connection groups, and assist participants with referrals and access to essential resources to support their needs and program engagement.
• Represent the CSNF program at CITC Family Wellness cultural events and invite program participants to engage in these community activities.
• Provide backup navigation services as assigned to support the program team and ensure continuity of participant services.
• Maintain confidentiality according to all state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare systems, including OCS processes and the Team Decision Making (TDM) framework.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment in complex family situations.
• Ability to prioritize workload, adapt to changing priorities, and coordinate multiple activities with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain attention to detail while managing high-stress situations and complex case dynamics effectively.
• Proficient with computers, including word processing, email communication, internet research, spreadsheets, and case management software.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and work collaboratively within CITC and with OCS and other community partners effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
• Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of work experience with proficiency and knowledge of the OCS system and other service systems accessed by participants.
• One (1) year of experience working with Alaska Native families with knowledge of their values and belief systems.
• Valid Alaska driver's license and insurable under CITC's automotive insurance, which requires a driver to be at least 21 years of age and have had a driver's license for at least three years.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience working within child welfare, family reunification, or case management settings.
• Experience working with Alaska Native and American Indian populations with working knowledge of their values and belief systems.
• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.