Disability Support Resource Navigator

Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after February 17, 2026.
• The salary for this position is $25.30 per hour, 10 hours per week. 
• This position supports the Vietnamese community and candidates must be bilingual in English and Vietnamese in order to recieve full consideration.  

The mission of the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) is to provide support, information, and education for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, their families, and the service providers who assist them in San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

The Resource Navigator provides individualized guidance, education, and systems navigation to parents and caregivers of transition-age youth and adults with disabilities, under the direction of the supervisor and/or program specialist. This position supports families in understanding and accessing Regional Center services, generic community resources, and special education, with a focus on successful transition from school-based services to adult systems. The Resource Navigator empowers families to advocate effectively, coordinates referrals, and helps reduce barriers to service access. The role combines office, community-based, and remote work to meet the needs of families and the community.

Responsibilities

General Responsibilities (95%)

• Provide one-on-one navigation assistance to parents and caregivers of transition-age youth and adults with disabilities, with guidance as needed from program specialists
• Explain Regional Center eligibility, services, timelines, and client rights
• Support families in understanding and participating in Individual Program Plan (IPP) development and meetings
• Assist families in accessing and coordinating generic services, including but not limited to IHSS, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal, housing, employment, transportation, and mental health services
• Collaborate with EFRC program specialists to track outcomes and service-access milestones
• Conduct outreach to underserved and diverse communities
• Support parent education activities and workshops
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, service notes, and referral documentation 

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

• Carry out additional responsibilities as needed to support program operations
• Assist with tasks as assigned to meet organizational needs.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework

MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Equivalent of one year lived experience as a parent/primary caregiver of an individual with a disability. 
• Bilingual/bicultural abilities (Vietnamese)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field
• Experience with special education, transition-age youth, or adult service navigation
• Knowledge of California Regional Center system and Lanterman Act
• Experience providing workshops or group facilitation
• Experience mentoring parents of individuals with disabilities

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.