Title: Central Navigator

Reports to: Designated Fiscal Agent and Collaborative Leadership

POSITION SUMMARY/SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Central Navigator serves as the primary point of entry for families in Lancaster, Saunders, and Otoe Counties who are seeking support. This role provides comprehensive intake, assessment, referral, and light-touch case management services to ensure families are connected to appropriate community resources that strengthen protective factors, prevent crises, and promote family well-being.

The Central Navigator works collaboratively with Community Response Coaches, county collaborative partners, and statewide Bring Up Nebraska supports to build a coordinated response system.

The Central Navigator strengthens family stability by ensuring quick, effective, and family-centered access to resources across three counties. In addition to connecting families to services, the Navigator offers short-term case coordination and guided problem-solving support. By providing light-touch case management, the Navigator ensures families have the tools, confidence, and connections to move forward independently, reducing the risk of crises escalating into system involvement. This role directly contributes to child abuse and neglect prevention and helps families become stable, strong, and successful.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Family Intake & Assessment
  
  • Conduct initial screenings to understand family strengths, needs, and goals.
  • Document information in the approved shared data system.
  • Apply the Protective Factors Framework in engagement with families.
  • Support families in developing short-term action plans that identify goals, barriers, and next steps.
• Navigation & Referral
  
  • Provide families with concrete connections to services (housing, utilities, food, health, transportation, childcare, behavioral health, etc.).
  • Ensure warm hand-offs to partner agencies and follow up to confirm successful connection.
  • Coordinate across the three counties to avoid duplication and ensure equity in access.
  • Provide light-touch case management: monitor progress, troubleshoot barriers, and coordinate across systems until needs are stabilized.
  • Empower families to develop self-advocacy skills and confidence in accessing community resources.
  • Use motivational interviewing and strength-based approaches to engage families.
• Data & Reporting
  
  • Maintain timely and accurate case documentation.
  • Track outcomes related to family progress, protective factors, and program goals.
  • Prepare reports required by DHHS and local collaborative partners.
• Collaboration & Community Engagement
  • Work closely with Community Response Coaches to support families with complex needs.
  • Participate in regular county and regional collaborative meetings.
  • Provide feedback on emerging family needs to inform system change and resource development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required
  
  • Associate’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, Education, or related field OR a minimum of five (5) years’ experience working directly with families in social services.
  • Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
  • Competence with technology, including data entry, virtual communication tools, and case management systems.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
  • Valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Preferred
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, or related field.
  • Familiarity with the Protective Factors Framework and/or Community Response/Central Navigation models.
  • Knowledge of community resources and service systems within Lancaster, Saunders, and Otoe Counties.
  • Experience working in collective impact or collaborative community-based initiatives.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

APPLICATION PROCESS

This position will be open until filled. Please submit a cover letter and/or resume to Paige Rankin, paige@zellehr.com.