Early Childhood Community Navigator

Description WE LOVE WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE Your perspective fuels our mission-driven work at United Way of Greater New Haven. Consistent with our organizational values, we are committed to building a team that is inclusive across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and lived experience and believe that diverse perspectives are fundamental to the work we do. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR Are you passionate about supporting families with young children as they navigate complex systems and access the resources they need to thrive? Do you enjoy building trust, listening deeply, and guiding people through challenging moments? Are you skilled at connecting families to supports in a way that feels respectful, clear, and responsive? The Early Childhood Community Navigator works directly with families with young children across Greater New Haven. This role is grounded in relationship building and one-on-one support, helping families access early care and education, family support services, and related resources through warm, coordinated referrals. Requirements KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Support and guide families with young children across Greater New Haven to access early care and education, family support services, workforce training, basic needs, and related resources. Meet one-on-one with clients to assess needs, build trust, and facilitate warm handoffs to early childhood and community partners. Support families in navigating early childhood enrollment pathways, including understanding program options, eligibility requirements, and referral processes. Record and track referrals and follow-up activities to ensure continuity of support and to monitor outcomes. Build familiarity with local early childhood programs, providers, and neighborhood-based resources to offer timely and culturally responsive support. Identify barriers experienced by families when accessing services, communicating and elevating insights to program leadership. Participate in community-based outreach, family-facing events, and partner touchpoints as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Substantive knowledge of the Greater New Haven early childhood and family support landscape, or strong lived experience navigating these systems. Experience working directly with families of young children and/or in early childhood, family support, or human services settings. Strong communication and active listening skills, with the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple relationships and follow up consistently. Comfort using basic data and tracking tools to document referrals and outcomes. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; comfort learning new systems as needed. Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. DESIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Understanding of the lived realities of families raising young children in New Haven neighborhoods. Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, professionalism, and clarity. Comfort working independently while staying connected to a broader team. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, compassion, and commitment to the mission of United Way of Greater New Haven. JOB RELATIONSHIPS WITH: United Way staff; early childhood and family support providers; community-based organizations; volunteers; community leaders. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment with little exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. Hybrid position, expected to work 2 days/week in our New Haven office. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Extended viewing of computer monitor. Minimal local travel to events within the region. Regular evening and some weekend responsibilities. SALARY: $25.00/hour plus competitive benefits package In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment. About United Way United Way of Greater New Haven mobilizes people and resources to?drive community change?so everyone can thrive. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values . United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. United Way of Greater New Haven is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!