Job Description

Organization

: United Way of the Midlands

Job Title : Community Navigator

Department: 211, Programs

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Location: Omaha, NE (on-site)

About United Way of the Midlands:

Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – including JAG Nebraska, 211 and the Weatherization Assistance Program – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering integrity, inclusion, and responsibility across our work where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.

UWM’s Mission:

United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.

Guiding Principles:

At United Way of the Midlands, we…

• Build TRUST in everything we do.
• Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
• Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
• Be OPEN to embracing others’ differences.
• Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing.
• Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.

Community Navigator Summary:

A Community Navigator helps individuals access and connect with local resources, services, and support systems to address their needs. They serve as a liaison between individuals and community organizations, guiding people through the process of finding resources such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, and employment support. Additionally, the Community Navigator provides case management-like support, ensuring that individuals’ needs are met by following up to ensure all necessary steps are taken, fostering long-term solutions and closing the loop on resource access. They advocate for clients, maintain relationships with service providers, and monitor the progress of individuals to ensure their overall well-being and success.

Responsibilities:

• Helps individuals identify and access local services, from healthcare to housing, by providing personalized guidance and support.
• Engages with clients to understand their specific challenges and use that information to help them navigate the resources that will best support their situation.
• Actively follows up with clients to ensure they are receiving the right services, checking in regularly to address any roadblocks or changes in their needs.
• Steps in to advocate for clients when needed, ensuring they are able to access services that may be hard to navigate on their own.
• Maintains clear records on each client’s journey, from initial contact to resource utilization, tracking their success and any further needs.
• Fosters strong connections with local organizations to ensure clients have smooth access to services and timely support.
• Supports clients not only with logistical help but also with the emotional aspects of accessing community resources, empowering them throughout the process.
• Educates individuals about available resources and opportunities, helping bridge gaps in knowledge and encouraging wider participation in local programs.
• Works closely with various professionals, such as social workers and health providers, to provide holistic support and ensure comprehensive care for clients.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• There are no supervisory responsibilities for this role.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills: Ability to clearly explain services, listen actively to clients, and advocate on their behalf with various service providers.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding and sensitivity toward clients' situations, demonstrating compassion while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Cultural competency: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and understand different cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Aptitude for identifying challenges clients face and thinking creatively to find solutions or workarounds.
• Case management experience: Ability to handle multiple cases, track progress, follow up, and ensure services are delivered effectively and on time.
• Organizational skills: Manage and prioritize a caseload, keep accurate records, and ensure follow-through on all tasks and commitments.
• Resource knowledge: Familiarity with community resources, government programs, and local service providers to quickly connect clients with the right support.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Ability to work with a variety of community organizations, service providers, and colleagues to ensure a comprehensive approach to client support.
• Active listening and patience: Ability to fully listen to clients, understand their needs, and show patience as they work through their challenges.
• Tech-savvy: Comfortable using databases, case management software, and communication tools to track client progress and coordinate with providers.
• Crisis management skills: Capability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations, offering support while de-escalating potential conflicts or emergencies.
• Time management: Ability to juggle multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring all clients are supported without compromising service quality.
• Workplace Professionalism: Practices professional boundaries in the workplace setting with colleagues, supervisors, and outside community entities.
• Knowledge of MS Office Outlook, Excel, Access and Word Processing software.
• This position is phone-based (inbound and outbound).
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED is required for this position.
• Bachelor's degree (preferred) from a College or University and/or;  
• Three to five years’ related experience and/or training in Social Services or Human Services.
• Case management experience or any other relevant certifications are also considered.
• Call center experience is a valuable asset.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits: 

• Shared health, dental and vision insurance 
• Generous 401(k) Retirement plan 
• Paid vacation and sick time 
• Employer paid life and disability insurance 
• Professional development assistance 
• Tuition reimbursement 

How to Apply:

 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to resume@UWMidlands.org.

United Way of the Midlands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Tags

Full time, Local area,

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