Lead Navigator

Summary: The Lead Navigator is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the Springfield Urban League’s health outreach and navigation grants. This initiative focuses on increasing preventive care access and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) among Black residents in disproportionately impacted zip codes across Illinois focusing on several . The Lead Navigator manages affiliate coordination, staff supervision, and ensures full compliance with program goals, reporting requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities-include the following: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of the Springfield Urban League’s Public Health programs, ensuring all navigators and CHWs carry out outreach, engagement, and screenings per grant guidelines.
• Hire, train, certify, and supervise Navigator staff and ensure CHW certifications are completed.
• Maintain working knowledge of  client portal, provider network, social needs screening tools, and closed-loop referral system.
• Coordinate Navigator efforts across assigned zip codes and Urban League affiliates to meet benchmarks.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives and develops sequence plans for providing health education programs.
• Conduct and document site visits at outreach and community engagement events.
• Ensure documentation accuracy in Smartsheet or designated systems and submit bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to reporting portals
• Participate in monthly affiliate learning collaboratives and quarterly performance reviews.
• Develop strong relationships with primary care providers, community-based organizations, and local government partners to expand network and services.
• Prepare for and support external audits and evaluations by grant agents.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to clients, including accommodations for disabilities.
• Implement internal quality assurance systems and contribute to grant success stories and impact reports.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by executive leadership.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Human Services, or related field. Associates degree with experience considered.
• At least 3 years of experience in program supervision, health outreach, or case management.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in data management and reporting (e.g., Smartsheet, EHR, or equivalent systems).
• Demonstrated understanding of health disparities, social determinants of health, and community engagement principles.
• Experience working with Black communities and/or underserved populations in Illinois.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
• Must pass background check and complete Community Health Worker (CHW) training within 60 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and proof of insurance required.

Working Conditions:

• Some travel required.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance as required by the State of Illinois.
• Employment background screening and fingerprinting required.

The Springfield Urban League, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.