Job Description

Navigator, Thrive Initiative

Supervisor: Navigator, Thrive Initiative

Contract Length:

Job Classification: Professional Support, Student

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: $50,000

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are a professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success, and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop, and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.

Job Summary:

The Navigator is responsible for providing support and guidance to clients, assessing their needs, and developing a plan of care that meets those needs. The Navigator will work with clients and their families to coordinate services and resources and ensure that clients are receiving the appropriate care.

Essential Duties:

• Conduct assessments with individuals to assist in determining relevant resources and guide individuals through the resource connection process.
• Develop strong, trusting relationships with clients served, and act as an advocate for vulnerable individuals.
• Serve as a bridge between individuals and providers to increase client involvement in their care plans.
• Coordinate measures to ensure individuals have proper access to resources and treatment options.
• Maintain detailed documentation of the work with each client, utilizing a designated case management system as trained to comply with federal grant regulations.
• Update case management system on a regular basis to reflect client's progress, in compliance with monthly reporting requirements based on performance indicators.
• Refer individuals to appropriate outside organizations; provide follow-up to ensure the individual's needs are met and the outcomes of these services provide support for the individual to achieve their goals.
• Empower clients to lead themselves and hold clients accountable to follow-through on the plans they have developed.
• Advocate for clients in all areas of their life-provide support to clients at court sessions, DCFS hearings, and the like.
• Report back regularly to designated individuals regarding client's progression and participation.
• Must be comfortable working with clients in any of the following environments: jail, ACC offices, DCFS offices, courts, Family Shelters.
• Develop and maintain trust and positive relationships with Thrive partners and stakeholders.
• Develop a working relationship with other Navigators and community service providers.
• Participate in Thrive and Restore Hope meetings and trainings.
• Promote organization and community collaboration.
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the professional standards of Restore Hope.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related human service field preferred.
• One year of work with vulnerable individuals preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting with regular travel between district buildings and occasional evening events. The position requires frequent sitting and computer use; regular standing and walking, occasional bending, reaching, and lifting of up to 25 pounds (such as file boxes or posters); and the ability to drive or otherwise travel between locations. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be changed at any time.

The Fort Dodge Community School District is an EEO/AA employer. The District does not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related condition, or disability. In keeping with the law, the Board considers the veteran status of applicants. Questions or complaints about equal employment opportunity or affirmative action may be directed to the Affirmative Action and EEO Compliance Officer, Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, Fort Dodge Community School District, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, 515-574-5731, rporter@fdschools.org. The full Nondiscrimination Notice is available athttps://www.fdschools.org/page/annual-non-discrimination-statement/.

Rev. 10/2026

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.