Director of Family Navigation - Fenton, MO

:Position Summary · The Director of Advocacy and Family Navigation leads the development and implementation of services that support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This role ensures families are equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge ne ...

Job description

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Position Summary

The Director of Advocacy and Family Navigation leads the development and implementation of services that support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This role ensures families are equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to navigate complex systems and access essential supports. The Director will manage a team of specialists, coordinate with community partners, and advocate for systemic changes that improve the lives of the families served.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This list of essential functions is not intended to be limiting. Sunnyhill, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements. The essential duties reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

• Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets and training manuals.
• Research and analyze member or community needs to determine program directions and goals.
• Act as consultants to agency staff and other community programs regarding the interpretation of program-related federal, state, and county regulations and policies.
• Speak to community groups to explain and interpret agency purposes, programs, and policies.
• Related occupations
• Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, or rule changes to determine how agency services could be impacted.
• Related occupations
• Plan and administer budgets for programs, equipment, and support services.
• Lead and supervise a team of Family Navigation & Advocacy Specialists.
• Provide training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to staff.
• Develop strategies for improving service delivery, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Direct advocacy efforts, including engaging with families, attending meetings, and providing support in community settings.
• Ensure high-quality service provision for over 100 families annually, covering systems navigation, documentation assistance, and resource education.
• Monitor data collection, track case progress, and ensure compliance with PLB and ERA standards.
• Foster relationships with local and statewide agencies to connect families with appropriate services.
• Coordinate partnerships with over 100 community organizations to enhance advocacy efforts.
• Organize community outreach events and training for professionals like teachers, doctors, and law enforcement.
• Advocate for families' needs, including attending IEP meetings, facilitating access to government resources, and supporting policy changes.
• Lead the creation and distribution of educational materials to empower families with critical information.
• Ensure compliance with funding regulations and organizational policies.
• Compile and report data on program outcomes, providing detailed analysis for stakeholders.
• Complete billing as defined by the Eastern Region Alliance.

Requirements:

Education & Experience

• BS/BA in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years experience in the field of developmental disabilities.
• Minimum three (3) years of management experience.
• Proven experience in community outreach, public speaking, and building partnerships with agencies and professionals.
• Strong background in staff supervision, program management, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of legislative issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and experience advocating for systemic change.
• Comfortable speaking on the phone and scheduling meetings.
• Experience with employee supervision preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities & Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and function well in a high-paced (at times stressful) environment.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance (use of personal vehicle required at times)
• Acceptable background checks.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Walking or standing to attend meetings, greet visitors, or manage office tasks.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of lightweight items (e.g., laptops, files, or office supplies) typically up to 25 pounds.

Sunnyhill is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), sexual stereotyping, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), association with anyone who is a member of a protected class, AIDS/HIV status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Agency is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.