Navigator - Fuel Assistance

North East Kingdom Community Action•Newport, VT

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Navigators at NEKCA help community participants access a variety of our services utilizing a human-centered approach. Through compassion and relationship-building, Navigators support with program intake, filing appropriate benefit applications, service delivery, and data collection. Navigators are often the first faces that participants see and help make our spaces and services warm and welcoming. This position is a Navigator for the Economic Access Programs in the Economic and Community Based Services Department which primarily supports participants in accessing assistance with fuel and utility payments.

Requirements

BA (preferred)
1-2 years of relevant experience preferred
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
This position is considered a mandated reporter.
Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)
Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
Maintain confidentiality.
Complete all required trainings and professional development.
Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.
Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.
Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.
In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
Be respectful and sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.
Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.
Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background and driving records.
This position requires that employees have access to dependable transportation.

Responsibilities

Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor.
Determine and verify income for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines.
Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines
Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)
Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households
Understand and follow all program guidance and policies
Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.
Using Crisis Fuel application, intake participants filling out the entire form and passing completed forms to Crisis Fuel Supervisor for approval/denial.
Train as needed in ACCESS for participant verification.
Review phone log/call queue/voicemail and return calls to participants within 24 hours.
Assist participants with signing up for State Fuel Benefit, if not currently enrolled.
Assist with interagency referrals to other NEKCA programs.