Job Title: Juvenile Transition Specialist
Reports To: Resource Navigator Supervisor
Classifications: Full time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Friday/ Alternate Schedule/ some weekends and evenings.
Position Overview:
The Resource Navigator (RN) is the primary program contact from case assignment through discharge for the youth, parent, Facility and JPO. After case assignment, the RN will collaborate closely with the JPO, Residential Case Manager (RCM), youth, and parent/guardian. They're responsible for completing required transition contacts to include participation in the Transition Conference, Community Reentry Team (CRT), and Exit Conference. This position will be responsible for completing all required contacts for transition services to include telephone and face to face contacts during transition and post release. They will attend and be an active participant in monthly internal Navigator Team Meetings and will inform the transition team of the youth’s needs. The Navigator will be the primary contact for communication with providers on referrals for Service Tier 1. The RN will communicate with the Resource Navigator Coordinator (RNC) who will be the primary contact for communication with providers for referrals for Service Tier 3 including same services for Service Tier 4. They are responsible for collaborating with the JPO, Facility, youth, parent, and referral resources to develop the Transition Plan for Success prior to their release from residential program. They will identify service categories of need for the youth based on information obtained prior to CRT to present the information for Service Tier recommendation and update referral resources. The RN will confirm all required services, referrals and intake appointments with the parent and JPO and develop recommended goals for the YES Plan with input from the RNC, Education Resource Navigator, JPO, RCM, youth, and parent. They will complete weekly contact with the youth and family to review goals of the YES plan and update progress on these goals with oversight and compliance monitoring conducted by the Circuit's Resource Navigator Supervisor. When all YES Plan goals are completed or substantially underway, the RN will prepare the Discharge Summary Report requesting discharge approval.
Essential Duties:
1. Upon case assignment, the Resource Navigator (RN) will conduct a thorough review of information available in JJIS, including but not limited to the Face Sheet, case notes, and Document Library.
2. Collaborate with the JPO, RCM, youth and parents to identify service needs from information obtained and through review of performance plan, JJIS, and treatment discharge plan.
3. Closely analyze the resources available to youth based on the geographical area where the youth will reside post release.
a. An individualized Community Asset Mapping Tool will be completed by the RN and RNC with focused effort to identify resources within proximity to the youth’s home for the service areas essential to promoting positive long-term outcomes for the youth.
b. Services for each youth will be individualized based on identified needs discovered during the transition period beginning 90 days prior to the youth’s release.
4. Actively participate in the Transition Conference, ensuring all identified service needs are discussed, recommending resources to address those needs, and identify transition activity assignments, which include, but are not limited to, locating resources and determining the referral process.
5. Maintain bi-weekly contact with the assigned JPO leading up to the CRT meeting and Exit Conference to provide a status of the referral process for each identified resource and exchange relevant information.
6. Actively participate in the CRT, providing updates on referrals and have Service Tier identified and presented during the meeting.
7. Prior to the Exit Conference, the Navigator shall work toward completing the referral process with providers for identified service needs under the Service Tier 1 category. This may include:
a. Mentoring
b. Temporary housing
c. Family support
d. Employment
e. Community service
f. Dually served coordination
8. If any questions arise during the referral process, the RN will contact the parent/legal guardian directly to inquire about the family’s ability to participate in the service, parent’s schedule to attend appointments, transportation needs, and insurance coverage.
9. The Navigator will participate in at least one in-person meeting with the primary DJJ contact prior to the Exit Conference to assist with the development of the Transition Plan for Success.
10. The Navigator will contact the Parent/Guardian in person no later than seven (7) days prior to the Exit Conference to provide the status of the referral process for each identified resource and exchange relevant information. During contact, the RN will schedule an in-person meeting with the youth and the Parent/Guardian to occur within three (3) working days after the youth’s release from the Facility. The RN may coordinate with the JPO to conduct a joint meeting.
11. Contact the RCM by phone no later than three (3) working days prior to the Exit Conference to provide the status of the referral process for each identified resource and exchange relevant information.
12. Actively participate in the Exit Conference by providing the status of the referral process for each identified resource, the date and time of the youth’s in-person meeting with the Navigator and Parent/Guardian, and the date and time of any appointments scheduled with identified resources.
13. Contact the youth via telephone no later than three (3) working days prior to the youth’s scheduled release from the Facility to review the Transition Plan for Success
14. On the first working day after the youth’s scheduled release from the Facility, the Navigator shall contact the RCM by telephone to confirm the youth’s release. On the same day, the RN will contact the supervising JPO/DDDC in person or by telephone to schedule the YES Plan creation meeting.
15. For CR or PCP youth, the RN shall participate in at least one in-person meeting with the JPO to assist with the development of the YES Plan. If required, the Navigator shall review the results of the CAT Full Assessment with the JPO and ensure that identified resources address one of the top three criminogenic needs.
16. If a youth has Court ordered sanctions such as letters of apology or essays, the RN will begin facilitating completion of these items after the intake has been completed.
17. Upon execution of the YES Plan, the RN shall complete their action steps as outlined in the YES Plan, requiring some action by the RN at least once per week for each youth requirement or goal.
18. The Navigator will discuss the youth’s participation in scheduled appointments during weekly review of YES Plan goals to ensure the youth is participating as required and identify any barriers to participation.
19. For CR or PCP youth, the RN shall participate in an in-person meeting with the JPO prior to each 90-day supervisory review to determine if the service(s) for which the youth was referred is completed or substantially underway and if any additional service needs were identified during the 90-day supervision period.
20. For Direct Discharge youth, the RN shall maintain contact with the youth, Parent/Guardian, DDDC, and identified resources as needed to ensure the youth’s successful completion of the Program. The RN shall maintain contact with the DDDC at least once every 30 days to report on the youth and family’s participation, progress and identify solutions for any roadblocks to success.
21. For Direct Discharge youth, the RN shall participate in an in-person meeting with the DDDC prior to the end of the initial 60-day period to determine if the service(s) for which the youth was referred is completed or substantially underway and if any additional service needs were identified during the initial 60-day period.
22. The following tasks will be completed by the RN for all youth successfully completing the program:
a. Update the master case file and youth case note records to reflect completed steps for discharge approval to include administration of satisfaction surveys
b. Documentation of completed Asset Mapping and Permanency plan review with the youth.
c. Discharge summary report provided to the Resource Navigator Supervisor (RNS) to complete the final case file and case note review for compliance monitoring
d. Meet with the JPO in person prior to the 90 Day JPO Supervisory Review to review the information in the discharge report and provide documentation supporting completion of identified goals and action steps
Qualifications:
- Education requirements: Bachelor's Degree in related area of study.
- Experience requirements: 2 years in the following areas: treatment plan development, community referral coordination, service plan development, collaboration with various agencies, resource development and effective utilization
- Must pass Level II background screening and preemployment drug screen.
Skill and Competencies
- Effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly and concisely communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Active listening and empathy
- Interpersonal Skills
- Building rapport and establishing positive relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Organizational Skills
- Data entry and Microsoft 365 proficiency
- Familiarity with terminology specific to referral needs in mental health, substance abuse, and sex offender counseling referrals
- Understanding and communicating options for funding required referral resources to include Medicaid and private insurance policies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ensuring all referral information is accurate and complete is crucial for avoiding delays
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Identifying and resolving issues that may arise during the referral process, such as insurance denials or scheduling conflicts.
- Providing excellent customer service to youth, families, and partners
- Understanding and adhering to confidentiality and HIPAA regulations for protecting privacy.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Demonstrate commitment to accountability and a data driven culture
- Ability to recognize and solve problems by managing crisis situations with youth and families
- Resolve issues professionally within the workplace and community.
- Demonstrate cultural competency by communicating and working effectively with those from diverse backgrounds.
- Analyze information from screening and assessments to recommend direct or indirect service offered within the program
Training Requirements:
- Direct Care Training Requirements
- CPR/First Aid
- Trauma-Informed Care
Additional Requirements:
- Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License and vehicle insurance is required.
- Independent travel is required.
- Complete training as assigned and according to training plan.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Project Connect Navigator program will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
