The Family Connect project, managed by TLC, offers clear guidance, trusted referrals, and 1:1 support to help families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) understand local services and connect with the right providers across seven NC counties. The Family Navigator intern will be a key member of the Family Connect team, supporting individuals with I/DD and family caregivers with information about and access to services and community resources. The ideal candidates will have lived experience in supporting individuals with I/DD, navigating the Medicaid service delivery system on behalf of an individual and the eligible population, or a college level student with a social sciences major.  

Core Values

Community I Accountability I Relationships I Excellence I Service

At TLC, we are committed to our vision of creating pathways to a world of possibilities. We care deeply about the individuals we serve, their families, and the dedicated team members who make our mission possible. Our core values reflect the significance of the work we do and guide us in fulfilling our purpose as an organization

I. Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, child development, or a related human service field preferred or students enrolled in an aforementioned program. 

II. Responsibilities & Duties

1. Assist individuals and families to understand and enroll in Medicaid and other benefits in coordination with local DSS, Enrollment Broker, Ombudsman, and Tailored Plan MCO.
2. Educate and guide families to understand eligibility for Innovations Waiver, 1915i Waiver, and state funded services.
3. Provide education to help families understand the role of care management and provide advocacy support to connect and express their needs with their care manager.
4. Identify and facilitate referrals for families and individuals to services and support through TLC, the IDD provider network, NCCARE360, and Tailored Plan MCO.
5. Develop library of family-friendly, accessible resources such as tip sheets, podcasts, digital education, etc., about services, Medicaid funding, rights and more.
6. Encourage and teach family caregivers how to use TLC Family Connect, NCCARE360, Inclusion Connections, NC Caregiver Portal, and other digital resource hubs.
7. Coordinate family-to-family and sibling peer support through project support activities, or through partnership with existing family support groups.
8. Support the project manager in coordinating educational events, webinars, and other activities and foster connection, relationships, and advocacy partnerships with local organizations within the project's geographic area.
9. Represent the project and provide outreach services through participation in targeted activities and events within local communities. 
10. Support the creation and implementation of a needs assessment activity to determine family/caregiver priorities.
11. Prepare briefings on community organizations working in IDD.

Ill. Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Basic understanding of the NC system of services and support for people with IDD.
2. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
3. Understanding of the social determinants of health and desire for health equity.
4. Highly collaborative and responsive.

IV. Hours/Days of Work: Part time, 20 hours per week. Schedule determined through availability and need of program.

V. Supervisor: Senior Manager of Community and Day Support Services