The Healthy Aging Program Navigator is a trusted point of entry for older adults throughout Newaygo County seeking assistance, resources, or connection to help them stay healthy, safe, and independent. Using a holistic, person-centered approach, the Navigator identifies each individual's goals and needs — including social isolation, food access, transportation, housing, safety, health care, legal resources, caregiver support, technology, and employment or volunteer opportunities — and connects them to appropriate community resources, following up to ensure they are successfully supported. As a member of the Community Connections team, the Navigator also helps develop, coordinate, and promote programs through the ENGAGE! initiative that encourage social connection, lifelong learning, physical activity, and community participation, and builds relationships with local organizations and partners to strengthen the network of resources available to older adults.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Older Adult Navigation and Support Serve as a welcoming point of contact for older adults seeking assistance, information, or connection, meeting individually to understand their concerns, goals, and priorities. Use a person-centered, strengths-based approach to assess social determinants of health and other factors affecting an older adult's safety, health, and independence. Help identify barriers, develop an individualized plan of support, and connect older adults to appropriate community, health care, and social service resources, including warm handoffs when appropriate. Provide timely follow-up to confirm the individual was successfully connected and determine whether additional support is needed. Involve family members, caregivers, or vetted volunteers when appropriate and with the individual's consent, and refer situations outside the Navigator's scope to qualified professionals. Community Connections Programming and Outreach Assist with planning, promoting, and delivering Community Connections and ENGAGE! programs (social, educational, creative, fitness, and volunteer activities), including outreach across Newaygo County to reach rural and isolated older adults. Recruit participants, gather feedback, and help identify programming gaps and emerging interests to inform future offerings. Develop and maintain relationships with agencies, health care providers, businesses, and community partners to strengthen and expand the resource network for older adults. Represent the Navigator role and Community Connections at community meetings and events, and identify service gaps or unmet needs to share with the team and partners. Develop and implement a county wide awareness and enrollment plan. Referrals, Documentation, and Follow-Up Accept and organize referrals from community partners, health care providers, families, and older adults themselves, prioritizing by level of need. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of contacts, referrals, services, and outcomes, and track program participation in the Client Relations Module. Use appropriate assessment tools to identify needs and outcomes, and collect participant feedback and stories that demonstrate program impact. Maintain confidentiality and follow TrueNorth policy on data protection and information sharing. Professional Development Complete Community Health Worker, CPR, and First Aid training, and participate in ongoing training related to older adult services and aging. Maintain knowledge of local, state, and federal resources for older adults, and seek supervision when situations fall outside the scope of the position. Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and continuous quality improvement efforts. Work occasional evenings and weekends to support program activities and community events. Support TrueNorth's mission and contribute to efforts addressing health equity, accessibility, and rural isolation among older adults. Perform other duties consistent with the level and scope of the position, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required High school diploma or GED; experience working with older adults or in human services preferred. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships across diverse backgrounds. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Comfortable working in a variety of settings, including community locations and, when appropriate, homes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products, and a current driver's license with reliable transportation. Preferred Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, gerontology, public health, community development, or a related field. Experience in care coordination, resource navigation, case management, or community outreach within a health care, nonprofit, or social service setting. Knowledge of Newaygo County resources, and experience planning or coordinating programs or events.

EOE Pay:

From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person