Mental Health & Social Service Navigation Specialist

The Mental Health & Social Service Navigation Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the Hockomock Area YMCA's commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position serves as a non-clinical support resource embedded within YMCA programs, including childcare and after-school settings. Working in close partnership with the YMCA Social Worker, Inclusion Team, and program staff, the Navigation Specialist supports the growing social-emotional and family needs of children and families. This role acts as a connector—bridging staff, families, and community-based resources—by providing timely guidance, support, and access to services. With a focus on early identification, prevention, and resource navigation, the Navigation Specialist strengthens staff capacity, enhances family engagement, and increases access to critical supports. Clinical or trauma-related concerns are escalated appropriately to the YMCA Social Worker in alignment with established protocols. Essential Functions Respond to day-to-day inquiries from childcare and after-school staff regarding children's social-emotional needs, behavioral concerns, and family challenges Provide non-clinical consultation and support to staff, promoting early intervention and proactive problem-solving Connect children and families to appropriate community-based resources, including mental health services, food access, housing supports, and counseling Support urgent, non-clinical situations and assist in stabilizing concerns in collaboration with staff and leadership Escalate trauma-related or clinical concerns to the YMCA Social Worker in accordance with established protocols Collaborate with the Inclusion Team on cases involving developmental, behavioral, or accessibility needs Deliver and/or support staff training on topics such as mental health awareness, social-emotional development, and supportive practices Build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff across multiple program sites Maintain accurate and timely documentation of consultations, referrals, and interventions using YMCA systems (e.g., Casebook or Oasis) Track and report key data, including the number of consultations, referrals, and urgent situations supported Participate in regular supervision with the YMCA Social Worker and contribute to program evaluation efforts Support ongoing collaboration with community partners, including schools, food pantries, and social service agencies Represent the YMCA in a professional, compassionate, and culturally responsive manner Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, education, or a related field required (or equivalent experience) Experience working with children, families, or community-based programs preferred Understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) and barriers to accessing services Knowledge of—or willingness to learn—community resources and referral systems Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Ability and willingness to travel between program sites Strong organizational and documentation skills Clear understanding of the boundaries of a non-clinical role and when to escalate concerns Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred Proficiency with basic computer systems and case management tools