Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Family Support Navigator facilitates the coordination of an Autism friendly, family centered, culturally competent and medically appropriate navigation program for families with children 0-21 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This position will support the ASD program by navigational efforts at two hospitals (HUMC and JSUMC). The expectation is for 3 days of support at HUMC and 2 days at JSUMC. This position is onsite.

Experience with Autism families is required.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Family Support Navigator at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Provide specific information, advocacy and navigational support to families of newly diagnosed ASD children to assist them with next steps after diagnosis.
• Assist families with the coordination and scheduling of multiple medical appointments, both within the HMH network and with community providers.
• Explain and assist families with program applications for available local community, county, state and federal programs their children could benefit from for services.
• Provide updated contact information to families for available social support services, such as ASD friendly social skills groups, play groups and family activities.
• Assist families bedside for ASD friendly support and guidance, as they navigate the intricacies of the medical setting.
• Assist in the coordination and documentation of resources needed for the continuum of care, including vocational opportunities and independent living options.
• Develop a library of resources for parents, leveraging partnership with Autism NJ, Autism Speaks and Family Resource Network for easy access and distribution.
• Consult with the project manager of the Empower U / Go Mo messaging app for any new informational content or new ASD specific resources.
• Develop and conduct ASD specific training, workshops and support groups for families, as needed. Maintain a synergistic, collaborative relationship with the SPAN representative.
• Keep Hackensack Meridian Children's Health team members informed of developments in areas of interest and concern to ASD families served by the 2 hospitals.
• Assist hospital departments and team members in establishing and implementing procedures that are autism and family-friendly and conducive to shared leadership.
• Ensure that the identified FSN satisfactorily fulfills the identified roles and responsibilities and work with HMH to resolve any disagreements or conflicts that may arise.
• The FSN will work closely with the Manager of the Network Autism Program to provide a comprehensive navigational program.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis or related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience, with at least three years of work experience in a related field or experience as an ASD parent.
• Demonstrated experience navigating healthcare, government, education and community-based systems that directly impact the ASD community.
• Strong program development and volunteer management experience.
• Basic knowledge of the emotional and medical issues inherent to ASD.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Dynamic, energetic, compassionate individual who is capable of managing multiple tasks and collaborating with many different types of individuals, families, disciplines, medical personnel and organizations in a healthcare setting.
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Our Network

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is a Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Facility

As a courtesy to assist you in your job search, we would like to send your resume to other areas of our Hackensack Meridian Health network who may have current openings that fit your skills and experience.