Navigator and Outreach Specialist

Location:           Hybrid- Must reside in Wisconsin; some in-state travel required

The Navigator and Outreach Specialist will be an essential part of the 211 and Techquity WI teams. This specialist will collaborate directly with clients by providing navigation, support and case management services. On the 211 team the navigator will support our Caregiver program (30-40%). Additionally, this specialist will collaborate directly with clients receiving loaned devices through Techquity WI to help them gain digital skills, troubleshoot technical issues, and feel confident using their device to support their everyday needs for education, employment, health monitoring, and more. The role will involve identifying eligible individuals, onboarding program partners, guiding enrolled individuals through technology setup, supporting laptop distribution events, and providing ongoing digital literacy training and navigation. This assistance will be provided virtually, with some in-person assignments but may also include other communication methods that work for the learner. Some travel will be required.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WISCONSIN 

United Way improves lives and strengthens communities by mobilizing partners to close gaps and open opportunities so everyone can thrive in Wisconsin. United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to tackle the root causes of complex challenges while making a positive impact on the lives of Wisconsinites. Statewide our key initiatives are 211 Wisconsin, Volunteer Wisconsin, Workforce Development, and Techquity WI. We also provide member support services to local and independent United Ways in Wisconsin, and 211 regional contact centers. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

This role is essential in supporting United Way of Wisconsin’s statewide Techquity Wisconsin programming. The Outreach & Navigation Specialist for Central Wisconsin will be responsible for the following:

• Outreach and Engagement:
  • Interview clients to explore and assess their needs. Build rapport with clients by active listening, showing empathy and patience. 
  • Accurately identify and provide referrals to community services utilizing the 211 database. 
  • Offer supportive listening and advocate on behalf of the client. 
  • Encourage and support clients in exploring online resources, including telehealth, education, and essential services. 
  • Set and confirm goals with the client to support their plan, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities. Plan and manage assistance to each client with the goal of fulfilling the agreed goals.
  • Document client interactions, event details, device distribution,  and navigation progress in case management systems to track outcomes and support follow-up.
  • Collaborate closely with team members to gather and report on client success metrics, providing insights to improve service delivery.

• Digital Navigation and Support
  • Identify and enroll eligible clients in the Techquity Wisconsin device loan program.
  • Facilitate device distribution according to program plan and funder requirements.
  • Conduct individualized assessments with each client to determine program eligibility and clients’ specific technological needs, home internet and device access, and digital skill needs. 
  • Assist clients with device setup (e.g., laptops, tablets), internet connectivity, and troubleshooting.
  • Provide guidance on safe internet practices, including cybersecurity and protecting personal information.
  • Serve as on-call responders to device and internet-related questions from device recipients. Help with device navigation, problem-solving, and replacements if devices fail.
  • Distribute tip sheets and other resources, and schedule follow-up sessions. 

• Community Training and Digital Literacy:
  • Conduct one-on-one and small group sessions to help clients navigate digital tools and resources confidently, and that meet the clients’ specific needs.
  • Provide orientation to the Wisconsin Community Skills website for digital skilling and upskilling.

• Community Engagement with Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Onboard eligible community partners, guiding them through the device enrollment and distribution process.
  • Function as a supportive digital guide for diverse populations, ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in every interaction.
  • Develop and distribute coordinated, consistent local program outreach and recruitment materials.
  • Engage with local community events, promoting digital literacy resources and offering digital navigation services in a way that builds trust and rapport.

• Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, nonprofit management, social services, or an equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of the human service delivery system.
• Spanish and/or Hmong language skills highly desired. Work experience with the Hispanic or Hmong community is also a plus. 
• A valid Driver’s License and current auto insurance are necessary.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – especially Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to use video conference tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams). Self-initiative in learning modern technologies and advancing tech skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills for stakeholder interaction and relationship building.
• Ability to work in a hybrid/distributed office environment.
• Comfort with and knowledge of how to appropriately engage with a wide range of parties (colleagues, executive leadership, vendors, etc.).
• Familiar with tracking tools, ensuring accuracy in data gathering, documentation, and reporting.
• Demonstrated flexibility in changing environments and experience aligning program activities with broader goals.
• Proficient in project management tools, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and email platforms.
• Experience working in digital inclusion, tech support, volunteer training, or similar programs a plus.
• Customer services experience with demonstrated innovations and flexibility to meet the needs of clients.
• Problem-solving and creativity with the ability to manage competing priorities in a positive manner. 
• Cultural competence demonstrated by the ability to collaborate with diverse clients from different racial, socio-economic, and ethnic communities.

Physical and Mental Demands

• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers repetitively to handle or feel objects or controls and operate computers and other standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms.   
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new information or skills, work under intensive deadlines and interact with UWWi staff and members and others encountered in the course of work.