Spinal Cord Injury (sci) Navigator

Description:

The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Navigator is a compassionate and dedicated professional responsible for guiding individuals with spinal cord injuries as they adapt to everyday life post-rehabilitation. This role is pivotal in providing personalized, empathetic support to individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), helping them navigate unique physical, emotional, logistical, and resource-related challenges during their transition out of rehabilitation and beyond. The Navigator adopts a holistic, participant-centered approach, facilitating access to essential services, empowering participants, and delivering continuous, adaptive support. Success in this role demands demonstrated empathy, strong organizational and communication skills, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to meet the evolving needs of participants and their families.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Orientation & Intake: Facilitate the program intake process for new participants by conducting introductory sessions, performing initial needs assessments, capturing essential information in CMTS, and providing personalized counseling to ensure participants feel informed, supported, and confident as they join the program.

Participant Support Coordination: Act as the primary liaison to partner organizations, assisting participants to obtain insurance coverage, medical equipment, financial aid, education, housing, recreation, travel, and other types of service and support. Work closely with participants to identify goals, anticipate needs, and provide tailored support to overcome challenges and achieve successful outcomes.

Resource Identification & Access: Proactively identify gaps in participants' access to support and connect them to partner organization resources.

Education & Empowerment: Deliver targeted education on SCI care, available resources, and self-management strategies. Empower participants and their families to make informed decisions through clear, concise information that addresses their individual needs.

Emotional & Practical Support: Provide empathetic support and guidance on navigating everyday barriers commonly faced by people with SCIs. Facilitate decision-making and offer tangible solutions to help participants overcome these barriers.

Ongoing Monitoring, Documentation & Data Entry: Conduct regular check-ins with participants and/or their care partners to monitor progress, adjust support plans, and ensure evolving needs are met. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all interactions, goals, assessments, and referrals in the CMTS system, supporting continuous tracking of program outcomes and responsive plan adjustments.

Network & Referral Management: Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of available resources and partner organizations. Act as a bridge between participants and service providers, facilitating seamless referrals and intake processes while fostering strong collaboration across the Partner Organization Network to support participant success and ensure partners remain informed and engaged.

Timely Support: Be available for urgent assistance to ensure participants and their families receive responsive help when needed.

Feedback & Program Refinement: Provide insights, evaluations, and feedback during the pilot phase of the Navigator program to enhance the role’s effectiveness and the overall participant experience.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, social work, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in case management, patient advocacy, or similar roles.

Skills:

· Strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

· Ability to engage effectively with diverse populations and navigate sensitive situations.

· Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Proficiency in case management software and data tracking to ensure accurate and timely documentation.

· Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Personal Attributes & Approach: Empathetic, positive, and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to empowering participants. Must be resilient, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering consistent support.

Certifications: Certifications in case management, trauma-informed care, or patient navigation are preferred but not required.