We have an exciting opportunity to join our national Services team as a MS Navigator.

MS Navigators are highly-skilled, compassionate professionals who are supportive partners and help navigate the challenges of MS, unique to each person's situation. MS Navigators work as a nationwide team to assist people affected by MS who need more information and support to manage the effects of the disease on their lives. MS Navigators seek to connect constituents with programs and services, often in collaboration with other community agencies and organizations, to provide in-depth assistance through advocacy, research and follow-up.

Essential Function/Responsibility:

MS Navigator Services

• Respond to requests for service, support and resources from people affected by MS throughout the National MS Society. Provide complete and comprehensive information regarding all aspects of MS as related to symptoms/symptom management, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology, and utilizing the tools, resources and protocols established by the Society. Conduct thorough research utilizing the database, outreach, engagement and follow up to connect individuals with the services and community resources (statewide and nationwide) to support and help them live their best life.
• Utilizing a perspective that recognizes and reinforces the strengths of individuals to facilitate positive change, conduct a thorough assessment of the constituent's needs, support network and resources. The assessment includes determining their ability to set realistic goals and follow up with a plan of action. Identify individuals unable to act under their own initiative, and act on their behalf within Society privacy guidelines. Recognize indicators for case management and connect those with complex needs to case management when appropriate.
• Leverage resources with agencies, organizations, institutions and individuals providing services to those affected by MS such as home modification specialists, disability attorneys, financial planners, social service agencies and similar resources that extend the reach of Society programs and services. Identify specific employment issues related to living with a chronic disease including reasonable accommodations and medical leave. Utilize local, state and federal benefits systems to connect people affected by MS to resources, programs and services, e.g., low income housing, disability entitlement benefits, health insurance navigation and appeals, that ensure stable living environments and make connections with the staff who have expertise in benefits and employment when appropriate.
• Deliver support to those who are depressed or in emotional distress. Recognize when a call escalates into a crisis situation. Crisis management will require assessment of danger of harm to self or others, as well as assessing for abuse and neglect. Negotiate intervention of police, adult protective services or other local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the constituent. Ensure ongoing needs for follow-up support for crisis management, client advocacy or other special challenges are met. Provide short-term (solution-focused) support/crisis intervention and provide names of local crisis and counseling resources.
• Explore comprehensive solutions that work toward long-range sustainable goals for complex socioeconomic issues related to the financial impact of living with MS. Ensure employment, health care access and benefits are assessed in determining access to basic needs for shelter, healthcare and safety. Utilize financial assistance as a multiplier of family and community resources to seek financial stability and secure living conditions
• Ensure appropriate consultations are made with colleagues and/or management when other resources are needed, or there are legal concerns

Information Management

• Ensure timely and accurate capture and completion of MS Navigator interactions utilizing the coding and documentation required by the Information Management Protocol. Ensure distribution of program outcome measurement completed by recipients of MS Navigator services. Ensure that community resources and service providers are updated in Society data base on a regular basis.
• Maintain knowledge about MS, treatments, delivery of MS Navigator services. Participate in all relevant trainings and networking calls/opportunities.
• Be a spokesperson about the programs and the mission of the Society, and the needs of people affected by MS.
• Provide presentations and talks to community groups and/or at Society fundraising and awareness events to increase public knowledge of MS and the Society as necessary.

Volunteer engagement

• Engage volunteers, effectively communicating and facilitating meaningful opportunities across all functions.
• Partner with volunteers to accomplish our work.
• Be a spokesperson about the programs and the mission of the Society, and the needs of people affected by MS.
• Provide presentations and talks to community groups and/or at Society fundraising and awareness events to increase public knowledge of MS and the Society as necessary.