Benefits Navigator
About The Position
Elevate Health is a nonprofit collaborative and one of nine Accountable Communities of Health in Washington State, dedicated to achieving health equity through collective action. The Benefits Navigator works in community settings and from Elevate Health’s hybrid Tacoma office to help individuals and families understand, access, and enroll in public health and income support programs that improve health and stability. The role provides culturally responsive, person-centered assistance with eligibility screening, applications, renewals, and education for programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Apple Health, the WA Cares Fund, and other state and federal public benefit programs. The Benefits Navigator serves as a trusted resource, building relationships with community members and partner organizations to reduce barriers to healthcare access and promote long-term benefit retention.
Requirements
- Associate degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least four years of direct experience working in programs related to health improvement, community services delivery systems, and functions specific to effective care or benefits coordination.
- Experience providing direct case management, community outreach, or enrollment assistance.
- Experience working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing barriers to healthcare or public benefits.
- Strong communication, interviewing, and problem-solving skills.
- Confident presentation skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience with benefits navigation, including Medicaid, Apple Health, Washington Healthplanfinder, Medicare, and other public benefit programs.
- Certified Application Counselor (CAC) or Navigator certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
- Bilingual or multilingual ability.
- Experience conducting community presentations or public education.
Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct community outreach to increase awareness of WA Cares and public health coverage programs.
- Deliver presentations, workshops, and informational sessions to community groups, employers, healthcare providers, and partner organizations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, local agencies, and stakeholders.
- Participate in community events, health fairs, and outreach campaigns.
- Distribute educational materials and communicate program updates in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
- Screen individuals for eligibility for WA Cares benefits.
- Help eligible participants complete WA Cares benefit applications and gather required documentation.
- Provide enrollment assistance for Medicaid, Washington Healthplanfinder plans, and other available health insurance programs.
- Provide redetermination and reenrollment assistance for Medicaid enrollees.
- Explain eligibility requirements, benefits, timelines, and participant responsibilities.
- Troubleshoot enrollment barriers and provide follow-up until applications are completed.
- Conduct individualized needs assessments.
- Connect clients with appropriate community resources, healthcare providers, and social service programs.
- Maintain accurate client records and documentation while protecting confidentiality.
- Follow up with participants to support successful enrollment and continued access to benefits.
- Help clients understand renewal requirements and report changes when applicable.
- Maintain accurate records in required databases and case management systems.
- Track outreach activities, enrollments, and performance metrics, and prepare reports as requested.
- Stay current on program policies, eligibility criteria, and regulatory changes.
- Participate in required training and professional development.
- Work with internal staff, healthcare providers, community organizations, and state agencies.
- Participate in team meetings and collaborative planning efforts.
- Share best practices and contribute to improving outreach and enrollment processes.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
- Retirement savings.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time.
- Hybrid work schedule with flexibility to work from home and the office.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
