General Functions:

The Parent & Youth Navigator provides service to Alaskan Natives and American Indians expecting or parenting youth living in the greater Anchorage service area.  This position provides case management support to Alaska Native and American Indian families with children aged eleven and younger. The Parent and Youth Navigator focuses on providing referral services, career exploration, outreach, advocacy, workshop facilitation, and transportation for youth. This position also works closely with the Employment and Training Services Department and other departments that offer youth programs within CITC and its subsidiaries. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage an active participant caseload.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and life skills to youth. Establish goals with youth and monitor/document their progress. Recognize participant strengths and skills, and apply those attributes towards appropriate activities.
• Administer appropriate assessment tools and interpret the results to youth participants. Develop plans to identify education and career pathways and employment placements. 
• Obtain educational assistance by arranging for services including tutoring, counseling, GED preparation, post-secondary opportunities, or other educational needs. 
• Provide support to departmental youth leadership and community services activities. 
• Provide youth and their parent’s information on services available in the community and CITC.
• Identify participant educational barriers and assist in finding solutions for barrier removal.
• Authorize supportive services to eligible Young Parents in the Tikhatnu program according to the program policy and procedure. 
• Authorize supportive services to youth in the 477 programs according to the program policy and procedure. 
• Screen and place participants in subsidized employment positions and provide support to participants while they gain work experience.
• Work with various employment entities to develop suitable worksites for youth participants. 
• Schedule worksite visits to sign Subsidized Work Experience (SWE) contracts.
• Explain the goals of the SWE program to employers and participants, and answer any inquiries.
• Collect, review, and submit SWE timesheets. Contact employer worksite supervisors and participants for any discrepancies.
• Obtain, track, and document all pertinent information in case files and electronically utilizing the Case Management Database.
• Utilize employment resources, especially Alaska’s People, and provide work and training opportunities for participants within the community.
• Update and report participant activities & related statistics monthly to the 477 Youth Services Manager.
• Participate in scheduled community meetings.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of group activities or workshops.
• Responsible for offering monthly cultural activities to participants.
• Plan and implement the 477 Youth Camp(s).
• Conduct outreach to ensure adequate numbers of participants for youth services and provide referrals to these programs.
• Work collaboratively with co-workers, partner agencies, and participants.
• Attend and actively participate in Department meetings and trainings.
• Bring policy issues to the 477 Youth Services Manager or Management Team.
• Fill in for absent Youth Case Managers or the Youth Life Skills Instructor when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as assigned and needed.

Job Specifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple activities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle crises and make sound judgments.
• Excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team atmosphere.
• Knowledge of area Labor Market and current trends.
• Working knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize transferable skills in participants and apply them to the current labor market.
• Demonstrated ability to identify parenting and youth resources in the community to network with and make informed referrals.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, education, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Alaska Native and American Indian culture and community resources.

Minimum Core Competencies: Values, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year experience in assisting youth in navigating community resources preferred, with preference given to those with knowledge of mental health/substance abuse, social work, and workforce development.
• Continued employment is contingent upon a report from a state and federal background check.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license and insurable under CITC’s automotive insurance require a driver to be at least 21 years of age and have had a driver’s license for the past five years.
• Must be willing to work with participants in various settings (home, community, and office). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. Relevant education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. 
• Strong knowledge of the mental health/substance abuse, homelessness, Social Security Administration, social work, and workforce development fields.
• Experience in social services or non-profit settings.
• Experience with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Demonstrated knowledge Alaska Native and American Indian values and belief systems.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent services.

NATIVE PREFERENCE STATEMENT: Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (PL 93-638) and as further guided by CITC’s Native Preference Policy 6.120, CITC maintains preference in all phases of employment for Alaska Native, American Indian (AN/AI), and Native Hawaiian people, including direct lineal descendants and foster or traditionally adopted children. Also included are non-Native head of household members for Native families, including foster or traditionally adopted Native children.