Thrive Program Navigator

Overview

Firefly is seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and community-centered professional to join as a Thrive Program Navigator in Council Bluffs, IA. In this role, you will directly support families facing difficulties by connecting them to essential resources, services, and support networks to foster stability and success. Firefly leads the Thrive Iowa Initiative in Pottawattamie County, collaborating with community partners, service providers, businesses, faith groups, and families to improve outcomes and establish lasting pathways towards stability.

The Navigator acts as a trusted liaison and primary contact for participating families, guiding them to define goals, overcome challenges, and strengthen support systems through the Thrive Iowa Initiative.

Organization Background

Since 1991, Firefly has worked to empower children and families via early childhood education, public health, and maternal health services. Committed to ensuring all families have opportunities to thrive, the organization partners with the community to generate substantial and enduring improvement.

Role Details

This position works one-on-one with families to evaluate needs, coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress toward self-set objectives. The Navigator is essential in helping families maneuver through care systems while building trusting relationships that encourage resilience and long-term well-being. Utilizing the HopeHub case management system, this role requires collaboration with community resources to deliver comprehensive, coordinated support.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned families and participants.
• Conduct intake assessments to help families set goals and outline actionable steps.
• Provide continuous guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
• Hold in-person meetings with participants monthly in office or community venues.
• Maintain ongoing communication via phone, text, email, and face-to-face interactions.
• Assist families in improving stability across all 13 Social Determinants of Health.
• Respond to referrals within two business days and schedule intake appointments within two weeks.
• Complete and close referrals through the HopeHub system to ensure follow-through.
• Connect families with appropriate community agencies and resources.
• Help families with application processes and document preparation for services.
• Coordinate care teams and collaborate with service providers to align with participant goals.
• Manage caseloads and meet performance benchmarks as established by the Thrive Iowa grant.
• Document services accurately and timely, adhering to program standards.
• Comply with privacy laws including HIPAA, FERPA, COPPA, and agency confidentiality policies.
• Support processes related to TANF eligibility documentation.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and technical assistance.
• Work cooperatively with Firefly staff, community partners, and Thrive Iowa stakeholders to cultivate a positive work culture.
• Deliver culturally sensitive and respectful services to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Strong familiarity with community support resources and systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database applications.
• Capability to work independently while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Eligibility to clear necessary background checks, physical exams, and screenings including TB tests.

• Preferred experience in social services, case management, family support, or related fields.
• Spanish language fluency is an asset.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid is advantageous.
• Experience working with diverse populations and involved in community programs is valued.

Attributes for Success

• Approach centered on compassion and relationship building.
• Strong active listening and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust with families and local partners.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Dedication to promoting long-term, impactful changes for families.
• Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive contexts.

Work and Physical Conditions

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. Flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends may be needed to accommodate working families’ schedules. The role involves frequent sitting, standing, occasional bending, kneeling, reaching, and regular contact with families and team members. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines is key. Work is primarily office-based with regular travel within the community.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Firefly proudly fosters an inclusive workplace valuing diversity and equal opportunity. Candidates from every background are encouraged to apply as varied perspectives enhance the organization’s mission and effect.