Social Care Network Navigator & Diversion Specialist

Description:

Title: Social Care Network Navigator & Diversion Specialist

Position Type: Full-time, Temporary, Non-exempt

Reports to: Middletown Program Manager

Base Location: Middletown

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $25.00/hr

About Independent Living, Inc.

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Help improve health outcomes by addressing health-related social needs and connecting individuals to critical community resources.
• Build meaningful relationships with hospitals, behavioral health providers, emergency responders, and community organizations to strengthen community-based care.
• Make a lasting impact by empowering individuals to achieve greater independence, wellness, and long-term stability.

About the Role

The Social Care Network Navigator & Diversion Specialist plays a vital role in improving health outcomes by connecting individuals with health-related social needs, behavioral health concerns, housing instability, substance use challenges, and other barriers to community living with appropriate supports and services.

Working in both hospital and community settings, this position conducts screenings, determines eligibility for services, provides recovery-oriented peer support, and coordinates referrals through the Social Care Network (SCN) and other community-based resources. The Social Care Network Navigator & Diversion Specialist serves as a compassionate advocate, helping individuals navigate complex systems of care while promoting self-determination, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and strengthening connections to community supports.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct comprehensive health-related social needs screenings, benefits eligibility assessments, and contracted service assessments using approved SCN screening tools.
• Accept and manage referrals through UniteUs and other referral platforms, ensuring timely outreach, engagement, and follow-up.
• Provide outreach and navigation services to Medicaid populations in hospitals, emergency departments, and community settings.
• Conduct Screenings, Navigation and Contracted Services from the Emergency Department at St. Lukes Montefiore in Newburgh on a rotating basis 2-3 days a week and in other community settings as needed.
• Assess participant eligibility for available services and coordinate referrals to appropriate community-based organizations and supports.
• Provide peer-based support, encouragement, advocacy, and recovery-oriented coaching to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use concerns, housing instability, social isolation, or other life challenges.
• Support individuals in developing recovery plans, wellness strategies, psychiatric advance directives, and other person-centered goals that promote independence and self-determination.
• Collaborate with hospitals, mobile crisis teams, behavioral health providers, law enforcement agencies, care managers, and community or…