As a bridge between service providers and participant communities, Resource Navigators link community members to the local landscape of service providers to improve their access to housing and other resources. However, their role is not solely referring. Rather, this position is also tasked with the responsibility to listen, advocate, and act on behalf of the communities that they support. In this way, Navigators are active in the systems individuals are navigating, changing the service provider landscape as much as they are using it to support participants.
Project Description:
The Community Resource Navigators will support community members in need of support and resources. By helping them navigate complex systems, the Community Resource Navigator will be a key point of contact and source of support for community members in crisis. This program aims to be a link between the health and social services sectors and the community. The goal is to facilitate access to services and improve both the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
This program will not only improve access to services but also improve the experience of community members navigating complex systems and can result in cost and resource savings.
This intervention will support and leverage closed loop referral networks across our communities, serving as a critical link between service providers and programs.
Vision:
Community members are connected to resources that provide the opportunity to thrive and live healthy lives.
Theory of Change:
If we implement a robust community resource navigation program that intersects existing navigation programs and systems, we will build capacity in our human services ecosystem and individuals and families will more easily and effectively access the resources they need to thrive.
Overview:
United Way of Kaw Valley will develop a Community Resource Navigation program across Shawnee and Douglas Counties that:
- Ties to Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities in each community;
- Is developed according to best practice models in the state;
- Provides training and certification to navigators;
- Creates and maintains workflows for both high-need and general populations;
- Works collaboratively with existing navigation/Community Health Worker (CHW) programs in the communities;
- Uses existing referral networks and systems to receive clients and to refer clients to services or work with partners to develop those systems;
- Creates and maintains branding materials to distribute at key locations across the communities to build name recognition and awareness of services;
- Builds capacity in the human services sector;
- Is innovative, nimble, and open to key and strategic partnerships;
- Measures meaningful outputs and outcomes that drive improved community health outcomes.
The essential functions of the navigators:
- Carry out work in a client-centered approach with dignity, respect, and cultural competence
- Be onsite in strategic locations throughout the community to build relationships and trust with community members, including being out in the community 65%-70% of the time
- Complete all telephone and face to face contacts with community members in a timely and professional manner
- Assist in completion of enrollment forms and other needed documentation and document in approved format in a timely manner
- Complete referrals through closed-loop referral system (where available)
- Help with medical, behavioral health, and social service referrals to ensure client access and follow through
- Ensure client access to interpreters and translators for medical and social services appointments
- Assist clients in obtaining necessary medications through patient assistance programs and other reduced cost programs
- Complete all required documentation and data tracking in a detailed and timely manner
- Attend and actively participate in project related training and project meetings
- Understand community needs, resources, and local and national best practice strategies