Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

*This is an on-site position

The Bilingual Community Health Navigator provides supportive health services to individuals and groups in English and in Somali, they promote and help make the Y's chronic disease programs and services culturally and linguistically appropriate for the Somali community, and are responsible for community outreach to connect the Somali community to the Y’s programs and services. The supportive health services include: Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Interventions, Personal Wellness Planning, Nutrition Services, and/or Health Coaching both in-person and virtually. Navigator provides support and guidance to participants using motivational interviewing skills and ensuring high quality program delivery in line with curriculum standards. Interacts with individuals referred to the Navigation Hub, engaging in phone, email, text and in-person communications to conduct care coordination and program enrollment.  

The Bilingual Community Health Navigator will be part of a larger team operating out of the central Association Office supporting all YMCA branches in King County. The Navigator will work both remotely and in-person, with regular requirements to be onsite at the downtown Association Office or other branches periodically. Given the diverse populations served by the YMCA throughout King County, preferred candidates will be able to speak English and Somali, and will have awareness of populations experiencing health inequities in King County. YMCA health programs are non-prescriptive and seek to build individual self-efficacy for health, and the ideal candidate will be able to lead with empathy.

Position Type/Location

This position will work full-time Monday-Friday. This role is based out of our Association Office in Seattle, following a hybrid work schedule working primarily in-office with occasional remote assignments.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contributions
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Hiring Range: $22.05/hour - $24.53/hour DOE

*Pay is dependent upon relative experience, as determined by the Y. 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with immigrant Somali community
• Develop and implement outreach plans in collaboration with colleagues, based on individual, family, and community needs, strengths, and resources
• Collect, synthesize, and use health needs assessment data to help understand the needs, strengths, and resources of targeted communities
• Identify target populations areas of need as a result of COVID-19 (socioeconomic factors)
• Identify health and social system enablement
• Recruit and interview potential focus group participants
• Facilitate focus group with community members to identify challenges and gaps in access to resources.
• Determine systemic issues, gaps and needs and transcribe into the English language
• Conduct interviews with representatives from community-based organizations/service providers and document success, challenges, and quality control to create best-in-field practices that are culturally appropriate and language accessible.
• Evaluate targeted population program effectiveness

Effect On End Results

Through data collection and analysis, the Y will be able to increase the knowledge base on causes and design interventions to reduce health disparities exposed by COVID-19 to address immediate needs of communities.

Project Deliverables

• Gather and combine information from different sources to better understand individuals, their families and their communities
• Assess barriers to accessing programs and other services
• Share community assessment results with community partners to inform planning and health improvement efforts
• Develop a referral network in King and South King County.
• Ensure accurate intake forms, data collection forms and appropriate documentation are completed.
• Responsible for data integrity, capturing, and reporting that completes project scope requirements.
• Complete all required grant deliverables in alignment with requirements outlined by funder as applicable 

• Experience with communnity outreach
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
• Ability to speak the Somali language in addition to English
• Experience in community health work or equivalent
• Effective Communication- able to use language and behavior that is responsive to the diversity of cultures 
• Culturally responsive – ability to employ techniques for interacting sensitively and effectively with diverse communities
• Advocacy and community capacity building - apply principles and skills needed for identifying and developing community leadership
• Documentation - Apply principles and skills needed for identifying and developing community leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in health promotion, public health, or a related field or equivalent
• Bachelors or Masters Degree in health promotion, public health, or a related field or equivalent. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

This job description may be changed at any time, at YMCA of Greater Seattle’s discretion.

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.
• Are very adaptable.
• Have high ownership and strong work ethic.
• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.
• Truly enjoy being of service to people.
• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.
• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

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