Benefits Navigator Case Manager - STAR Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness. As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 3,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness. DESC's STAR (Stability Through Access and Resources) Center is a time-limited, 24/7, behavioral health-focused non-congregate shelter located at 619 3rd Avenue and Cherry St in Seattle. The program works with unsheltered adults facing significant untreated and undertreated challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders, prioritizing the most vulnerable individuals in our community. The center will serve as an entry point for individuals with significant behavioral health disabilities to access a comprehensive range of services. All services are provided through a Harm Reduction and Housing First lens. Services are strength-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed. Interventions focus on housing, medication for opioid use disorders, and other substance use issues, outpatient behavioral health services, and various social services. On-site staff will help guests navigate access to long-term housing and healthcare services, which will result in healthier outcomes for STAR Center guests and our city. The Benefits Navigator focuses on assisting STAR Center guests to acquire, navigate, and renew public benefits to meet their medical, financial, nutritional, transportational, and other relevant needs. Common program applications that the Benefits Navigator will work with clients on include Aged, Blind or Disabled Cash Program (ABD), Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSDI), Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, and ORCA Lift. A strong applicant will be familiar with these resources, as well as other local housing, employment, and community resources relevant to STAR Center clients. This position is part of a multi-disciplinary 24/7 team of professionals that works with behavioral health and other providers to meet the unique needs and circumstances of homeless and unstably housed individuals staying at the STAR. Collaboration is critical to the success of this role.

Requirements

Current Washington Department of Health minimum credential as an Agency Affiliated Counselor or ability to obtain the credential upon hire.
Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency-related business. A current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record are required.
Experience working with adults experiencing chronic homelessness, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring conditions.
An understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction principles.
A commitment to providing low-barrier, strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed care.
Willingness to be flexible and work cooperatively with coworkers to accomplish all responsibilities of the team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills that meet DESC’s documentation and reporting standards.
Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain client privacy with a high degree of professionalism.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff and clients from diverse backgrounds.
Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients
Ability to work flexible hours as required by program and staffing needs including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.
Ability to pass Washington State Criminal background check.
Relevant Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR
A combination of 1 year of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties
Internal applicants in direct, client-facing positions can substitute 6 months of experience in lieu of 1 year

Nice To Haves

SAMHSA SOAR Benefits training certificate
Demonstrated professional experience assisting people with accessing benefits.
Bilingual in Spanish/English.
Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation skills.
Strong applicants are able to demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues. Candidates should be able to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and potentially stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Work with STAR Center clients to acquire and renew public benefits. This includes (but is not limited to) ABD, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and ORCA Lift.
Work with STAR Center clients to acquire documents necessary for obtaining housing and benefits (such as personal identification, social security card, birth certificate, etc).
Support clients in scheduling and attending appointments related to benefits or benefit acquisition. This includes providing transportation or attending appointments with them as needed.
Assist clients in navigating or troubleshooting benefits-related issues, such as contacting an agency, updating personal information, or connecting them with specialists for more in-depth support.
Coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with other DESC programs, external community providers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity of client care and successful transition of clients to long-term providers.
Complete housing assessments with clients and assist with CEA housing nominations.
Collaborate with Case Managers in the planning, creation, and implementation of detailed client-centered, goal-oriented, strength-based disposition plans focused on benefits and housing acquisition.
Collaborate with intensive case management services and provide case management coverage when needed to ensure continuity of care and access to housing, physical and behavioral health care, financial assistance and vocational training or employment.
Utilize motivational interviewing and other strength-based strategies to encourage client participation in services.
Identify barriers to guest program participation and work with STAR staff and other DESC providers to mitigate barriers to client participation.
Maintain timely service notes, client files, and other documentation in accordance with DESC’s documentation standards.
Participate in crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation to maintain a safe, secure environment as needed.
Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and other events related to effective collaboration and service delivery.
Provide on-site support to other DESC colleagues as needed, including milieu coverage and other duties related to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly environment.
Work with Outreach Case Managers to outreach potential clients in the community, including encampments and public areas, as assigned.
Promote and maintain positive relationships with the surrounding neighborhood.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the STAR Center.