Benefits Navigator

Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service organization in Kamloops seeks a Benefits Navigator to assist clients in accessing and optimizing provincial and federal benefit programs. The role emphasizes client education, outreach, and collaboration with community agencies. Ideal candidates will have a relevant diploma or degree, empathy, and at least 2 years of experience in a related field. This full-time position offers competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Extended Medical and Dental Benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in benefits navigation or social services.
• Valid Canadian Driver’s License and reliable vehicle.
• First Aid with CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform intake and assessment of clients’ financial and personal circumstances.
• Assist clients with applications and follow up with government agencies.
• Educate clients about benefit eligibility and program changes.

Skills

Empathy and professional communication

Workshop delivery

Familiarity with government benefit systems

Support for vulnerable populations

Education

Diploma or degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Our Vision

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides mental health education and mental illness recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families. We work collaboratively to develop realistic community awareness of homelessness and provide housing opportunities for clients. CMHA Kamloops creates awareness, provides education, and supports individuals and families living with mental health or substance use concerns. Our programs are community-based, they include supportive and independent living, homelessness services, and peer support. By working closely with other community agencies, we are working to bridge gaps in mental health care and facilitate access to critical services and resources.

The Role

The Benefits Navigator is responsible for helping client’s access and optimize provincial and federal benefit programs (e.g., income assistance, disability benefits, seniors’ benefits, tax credits). Through assessment, eligibility determination, application assistance, advocacy, and education, the Benefits Navigator reduces barriers clients face in accessing benefits. The role includes outreach, community collaboration, and tracking program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform intake and assessment of clients’ financial and personal circumstances to determine eligibility for benefit programs.
• Assist clients with completing applications, appeals, renewals, and supporting documentation, and follow up with government agencies as needed.
• Provide education and workshops on benefit eligibility, program changes, and navigating systems.
• Research and stay current on relevant federal and provincial benefit programs and changes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partner agencies, government offices, and community supports.
• Conduct outreach to inform marginalized populations of available benefit services and reduce access barriers.
• Maintain accurate case records, data entry, and performance metrics while monitoring client outcomes.
• Identify systemic barriers or gaps in benefit delivery and recommend improvements to enhance service quality.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Proven ability to communicate complex information for clients with empathy and professionalism.
• Experience delivering workshops or client education, and familiarity with government benefit systems (provincial/federal), including social assistance, disability, and seniors’ programs
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in benefits navigation, social services, or a related area.
• Experience supporting vulnerable populations, including individuals facing poverty, homelessness, or mental health/substance use challenges.
• First Aid with CPR
• Mental Health First Aid an asset
• Valid Canadian Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector)

Hours:

Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Salary & Benefits:

$31.58 per hour

Extended Medical and Dental Benefits, Municipal Pension Plan

Closing Date: 5th November 2025

CMHA Kamloops is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others whom may contribute to the further diversification of the Association. Lived experiences of mental illness and or addictions is considered an asset. To avoid a conflict of interest, people who are currently accessing CMHA Kamloops services are not eligible to apply.

A criminal record check free of convictions of violence and other crimes against the vulnerable will be required.

Thank you for your interest!