Description
Director of NICU Family Navigation
Position Summary:
The Director of NICU Family Navigation provides leadership and oversight of Family Support Network (FSN) NICU-related programming, including daily operational management, staff supervision, community relationship building, and comprehensive family support services. This role incorporates activities related to CFSA 2.0 Family Navigation, offering guidance, resource linkage, and care coordination to families with NICU admissions, especially those experiencing complex or high-risk situations. The Director of NICU Services will also serve as a trained facilitator for the NICU Circle of Parents, providing peer-led support groups for caregivers. The Director of NICU Services reports to the Executive Director.
Schedule:
40 hours per week; schedule determined annually based on program needs and funding availability.
Duties
Core Responsibilities:
Program Oversight and Coordination
- Oversee all aspects of NICU programming and ensure alignment with FSN’s mission and family-centered practices.
- Oversee our CFSA 2.0 database and reporting for Family Navigation and Circle of Parents.
- Maintain and evaluate current NICU services and implement improvements based on family feedback and program metrics.
- Maintain Salesforce database and ensure accurate record-keeping of family engagement, referrals, and outcomes.
- Compile and submit monthly Smart Start Cash/In-Kind reports.
CFSA Family Navigation Activities
- Serve as a Family Navigator for NICU families, providing individualized care coordination and emotional support.
- Conduct a family assessment to identify needs across medical, developmental, financial, and social domains.
- Facilitate connections to local and statewide resources including housing, behavioral health, child development, and early intervention services.
- Support families in navigating medical systems and post-discharge resources to promote health equity and positive child outcomes.
- Attend relevant case planning meetings (e.g., with NICU, CDSA, PICU teams) as family advocate and system liaison.
- Document all navigation encounters and family outcomes using standardized CFSA documentation protocols.
- Maintain knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and apply these to interactions with NICU families.
Circle of Parents Facilitation
- Serve as the lead facilitator for Circle of Parents support groups for NICU caregivers.
- Plan, promote, and lead regular group sessions in accordance with national Circle of Parents guidelines.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment for peer support and sharing.
- Coordinate meeting logistics, provide materials and refreshments as needed, and maintain attendance records.
- Offer follow-up support and referrals to group participants when appropriate.
- Collaborate with FSN staff to ensure alignment of Circle of Parents with other family support services.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as liaison with NICU leadership at multiple hospital systems (e.g., ARMC SCN, Cone Pediatrics, WCC, MedCenter for Women).
- Collaborate with partners including CDSA, NPN, FSN NC Affiliate Council, Ronald McDonald House, and Smart Start.
- Represent FSN at regional and state-level meetings related to NICU services and CFSA partnerships.
- Oversee ordering and tracking of Pack n Plays, gas cards, Panera cards, and other family incentives in partnership with Cribs for Kids, WCC, and MedCenter for Women.
Family and Volunteer Support
- Manage in-kind donations, update Amazon wishlists, and coordinate the pickup/distribution of Elizabeth’s Closet items.
- Provide direct family support in the NICU, including distribution of FSN bags, Books for Babies, sibling bags, and parent educational materials.
- Train and supervise NICU program staff and volunteers.
- Provide back-up family support when other NICU staff are unavailable.
Administrative and Financial Duties
- Coordinate with Bookkeeper on purchases, receipts, and donations.
- Order office supplies and help maintain a welcoming, organized workspace.
- Assist with answering phones, voicemails, mail sorting, and general office tasks.
Documentation and Reporting
- Complete all required program documentation including referral forms, NICU Notes, and quarterly reporting sheets.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all family information.
- Log and track work hours, schedules, and family navigation activities on designated calendars and systems.
- Maintain grant paperwork and comply with reporting requirements.
General and Organizational Responsibilities
- Adhere to all guidelines in the FSN Employee Manual.
- Participate in regular team meetings and professional development activities.
- Support and attend FSN-sponsored events, outreach initiatives, and fundraisers.
- Identify and champion one or more professional growth or program enhancement goals annually.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Must have experienced a NICU stay and be one year out from discharge.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, emotionally sensitive environment.
- Experience with family support, social work, early intervention, or healthcare navigation preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and basic data management systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.