Job Description

Job Title:

ConnectFASD Navigator

Reports to:

Supervisor -C.A.R.E Connect Intake

Classification:

Full-time, salaried (40 hours per rotation, 4 days on, 3 days off)

Vision:

The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network believes in a community where no family faces FASD alone, and individuals thrive.

Mission:

Working together through innovative action, we champion a healthy response to FASD in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Job Summary

The ConnectFASD Navigator will play a crucial role in providing exceptional support and assistance to our clients, ensuring a positive and seamless experience throughout their interaction with our organization. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to helping clients navigate services and resources effectively.

Accountabilities

Client Assessment

Conduct in-depth initial interviews with new clients and, when applicable, their families or caregivers, to gather comprehensive information. This includes understanding the client's understanding of FASD, any previous diagnoses, interventions tried, and the impact of FASD on their daily life. Utilize a variety of assessment tools and questionnaires tailored to FASD to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and social needs, ensuring a holistic understanding of each client's situation.

Immediate Support and Guidance

Offer emotional support and crisis intervention as needed during the intake process, providing a safe space for clients and families to express their concerns and needs. Implement solution-focused strategies to address urgent issues, offering practical advice and coping mechanisms to stabilize clients until further support can be arranged. Implement and oversee light touch supports, providing quick and accessible assistance for clients with minor queries or immediate needs, including food bank referrals, support with FSCD, AISH, PDD, and guardianship paperwork. Provide light touch support for C.A.R.E team clients that need support if the connector is on days off.

Intake Sessions

Conduct initial intake sessions aimed at establishing rapport, setting expectations for the therapeutic relationship, and beginning to address the client's most pressing concerns. Introduce clients and families to the concept of FASD, including what it entails, how it may affect them, and the types of support and interventions that are available, ensuring they feel informed and empowered from the outset.

Developing Preliminary Care Plans

Based on initial assessments, create preliminary care plans that outline immediate steps for intervention, support, and further evaluation. These plans should prioritize the most pressing needs identified during the intake process, whether they are emotional, behavioural, educational, or social. Clearly communicate the proposed care plan to clients and families, ensuring they understand the recommended next steps and how these steps fit into their broader support and intervention strategy.

Transition to Ongoing Care

Ensure a smooth transition from the intake process to ongoing support services, whether within the organization or through external providers. This includes scheduling follow-up appointments, confirming the client's understanding of and agreement with the care plan, and establishing a point of contact for future communications. Provide clients and families with a welcome packet or resource guide that includes information on FASD, a summary of their care plan, contact information for their care team, and a list of useful resources and support groups.

Navigation Assistance

Operate a support and information helpline to provide timely assistance to clients in need. Identify needs that extend beyond the scope of the organization's services and make referrals to appropriate services. Act as a bridge between the client and external services, facilitating introductions and sharing relevant information (with consent) to ensure a cohesive approach to care and support. Advocate for clients' needs, both within the organization and when interfacing with external agencies. Research and compile an updated list of community resources, including but not limited to housing assistance, food programs, employment services, mental health support, and educational opportunities. Regularly update and expand the resource database to ensure accuracy and relevance. Collaborate with local agencies and service providers to enhance the network of available resources. Educate clients on the resources available to them and provide guidance on accessing these services.

Documentation and Compliance:

Ensure all information gathered during the intake and initial sessions is documented accurately and comprehensively in the client's record. This includes notes on the client's history, the assessment process, immediate interventions provided, and the preliminary care plan. Maintain strict adherence to privacy laws and ethical guidelines regarding the handling of sensitive client information, obtaining all necessary consents for the sharing of information with other professionals or agencies as part of the care coordination process. Regularly review client files to ensure compliance with organizational policies and standards. Prepare reports summarizing helpline activity and trends.

Connect Line Operations

Support agency and program administrative duties, including coordination of emergency food supplies, program supplies and empowerment fund applications. Collaborate with the events team to support the planning and execution of agency events, ensuring a positive experience for clients attending.

Qualifications

Diploma in Health, Social Services or related field or equivalent experience. Proven experience in a client-facing role, with a focus on customer service or client care. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to empathize and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of community resources and social services is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and other relevant tools.

Working conditions

ConnectFASD Navigators will be required to work in CFAN's main office. This position will be a full-time position (40 hours per shift rotation) working 4 days on and 3 days off. The position will require early evening and weekend work. Minimal travel is required within the greater Calgary region. Work is fast-paced with multiple projects and objectives in motion and will require moderate physical activity. Some activities may require moving up to 40 lbs.

Preference will be given to internal candidates

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that CFAN is located in the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, the Iyaxe Nakoda ( Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations) and Tsuut'ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Metis homeland. The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network is committed to moving forward in an atmosphere of understanding, dignity, and respect towards a shared goal of Reconciliation.