Benefits Navigator WA Cares

AGING AND LONG TERM CARE OF EASTERN WASHINGTON

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Position Title: Benefits Navigator (WA Cares)

Department: Community Living Connections 

Position Type: Full-time

Supervisor: Information and Assistance Supervisor

Supervises: N/A

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

 

 

Job Summary 

Provides in-person and phone assistance with enrollments into WA Cares and other benefits identified by the agency as part of the Benefits Enrollment Center. Directly support program activities related to WA Cares and Community Living Connections, providing assessments, referrals, and follow up. Provide referrals to alternate programs when applicants do not screen in for WA Cares services.

 

Our Mission: As an Area Agency on Aging we promote well-being, independence, dignity, and choice for older persons and all individuals needing long-term care in our five-county area.

Our Values: ALTCEW has four core values; Dignity: We strive to honor the inherent dignity of all persons because we all deserve love and respect. Compassion: Being present and accepting with someone who is struggling. Knowledge: The ability to learn and contribute information because as we learn and improve, the lives of clients improve. Service: Commitment to taking action to help and support others in order to make a positive difference.

Our Culture: Our agency possesses a positive, welcoming environment. We provide a variety of wellness services, foster employee engagement through peer recognition and regular staff social activities. Our employee assistance programs foster health and well-being. Employees are regularly offered opportunities to socialize together, and volunteer in the community.

Benefits:

• 37.5-hour full-time work week
• Medical insurance (3 plan options) with low deductibles; premiums are paid 100% for the employee
• Dental insurance (3 plan options); premiums are paid for the employee and family members
• Vision care insurance
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave, plus 12 paid holidays
• Flexible spending accounts for qualifying medical and dependent care expenses
• Department of Retirement Systems pension/retirement plan
• 457/Roth payroll IRA options
• Wellness and employee assistance program
• Paid premiums for Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave and WA long term care benefits
• Ample training for development of program expertise and personal growth
• We are a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program

 

Essential Functions

• Client assistance through telephone, walk-in or email for intake, providing navigation assistance.
• Generating client account, completing screening for program eligibility, performing assessments and applications, assistance with platform set up.
• Schedule and perform in home assessment, following safety protocols.  
• Provides options for benefit based on assessment needs.
• Refers to provider network options for service delivery.
• Participates in evaluative and quality assurance activities as assigned. Helps ensure program standards are met by achieving client service program goals.
• Enters a variety of data elements into designated software for monitoring and tracking purposes and prepares reports as requested.
• Ensures all client records are accurately maintained in GetCare, by following the documentation policies and network standards in real time to document client process information and referrals given.
• Provides referrals to additional services and programs when need is observed or stated. Refers to Options Counselors for complex and/or on-going long-term care needs.
• Maintains a current and thorough knowledge of WA Cares by participating in continuing education, attending state-provided and other pertinent training. Attends WA Cares meetings.
• Assists with and provides periodic public education sessions on WA Cares as assigned.
• Engages in interagency collaboration and education regarding WA Cares in order to facilitate shared information and consistency of services.
• Provides follow-up with individuals to ensure successful outcomes.
• Provides assistance with benefits identified by the agency as part of the Benefits Enrollment Center as needed. Provides in-person and phone assistance as needed for the agency.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Physical Demands: Office, Driving and Fieldwork

• Strong verbal communication skills for effectively interacting with clients, colleagues, and the public, whether in person or via telephone.
• Skilled in typing, keyboarding and operating a personal vehicle with manual dexterity for precise repetitive tasks. Typing and keyboarding includes at least 3 hours daily.
• Capable of driving a personal vehicle, with an average of 100 to 200 miles per month based on client needs.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 lbs., including laptops and client files, includes abilities to push, pull, stretch, reach, and maneuver in various directions. 
• Ability to sit, stand and walk, including navigating stairs and uneven terrain, while utilizing bending, stooping, and climbing as needed to access materials.
• Maintains visual acuity at various distances and operates in diverse environmental conditions, including both indoor and outdoor noisy settings while navigating safely.

 

Behavioral Standards

Represents the Agency in a positive manner and supports the mission of the agency. 

Effectively communicates and is friendly, courteous, and respectful to clients, Agency staff and volunteers.  Demonstrates compassion for our clients and their care.  Effectively communicates one-on-one and in small group settings.  Ability to be an effective team member that helps the organization meet its objectives.  Takes initiative to meet work objectives.  Demonstrates honest and ethical behaviors.  Gets along with clients, volunteers, staff and supervisors. 

 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Proficiency with MS Suite.
• Skilled at listening to people, gathering information regarding their needs, and matching up needs with services available; advocate on behalf of the individual and discern when follow up is necessary.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating circumstances and suggesting supports.
• Ability to write case notes and related reports. 
• Ability to perform data entry with speed and accuracy and to quickly learn software platforms that change to support delivery systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form.
• Ability to document data and information gathered from conversations accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to summarize data, prepare reports and make recommendations based on findings which contribute to solving problems and achieving work objectives. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of other social agencies, institution officials, the public and clients. 
• Knowledge of physical, cognitive, social and psychological aspects of aging and disabilities.
• Knowledge of community resources for the elderly, disabled adults, and caregivers.
• Must have excellent attention to detail and follow through and be able to follow process.
• Able to handle occasional high volume, fast paced work environment.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of diverse staff and community members and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently and have enthusiasm for working collaboratively as a team.
• Ability to emotionally and technically handle crisis intervention and discern when follow up is necessary.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

A bachelor’s degree in behavior or health science and one year paid on-the-job social service experience.  Experience with aging and disability services is preferred. Bilingual or bicultural candidates encouraged to apply.

 

Minimum Qualifications

At least two years of college level courses in a relevant field and two years of paid on-the-job social service experience. This position also requires a criminal background check that qualifies the individual to work with vulnerable adults (WAC 388-133).  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

 

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.