Benefits Navigator

Elevate Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Schedule

Robust Benefits

Job summary

Elevate Health is seeking a Benefits Navigator to help individuals understand and enroll in public health and income support programs in a hybrid Tacoma office. You will conduct community outreach, determine eligibility for WA Cares and Medicaid, assist with applications, and support clients through enrollment and renewals while coordinating with partners to reduce barriers to care.

The role requires an Associate (or equivalent) in public health or related field and several years of experience

Qualifications

• Associate degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of direct experience in health improvement, community services delivery, or benefits coordination.
• Experience providing direct case management, community outreach, or enrollment assistance.
• Experience working with diverse populations and barriers to healthcare or public benefits.
• Strong communication, interviewing, and problem-solving skills.
• Confident presentational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct community outreach to increase awareness of WA Cares and public health coverage programs.
• Screen individuals for WA Cares eligibility and assist with applications and documentation.
• Provide enrollment assistance for Medicaid, WA Healthplanfinder, and other programs.
• Maintain accurate client records, follow up to ensure successful enrollment and continued access to benefits, and explain renewal requirements.
• Maintain required databases, track outreach activities and enrollments, and prepare reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Interviewing skills

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree in public health

Bachelor's degree in public health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about helping others in your community and ready for your next career move? Elevate Health is one of nine Accountable Communities of Health (ACHs) in Washington State, a successful non-profit collaborative in Pierce County, and dedicated to achieving health equity through collective action (learn more at elevatehealth.org).

We have an exciting opening for a Benefits Navigator in our (hybrid) Tacoma office. The Benefits Navigator helps individuals and families understand, access, and enroll in public health and income support programs that improve health and stability. Working in community settings, the Benefits Navigator provides culturally responsive, person-centered assistance with eligibility screening, applications, renewals, and education for programs including Medicaid, Medicare, Apple Health, 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.

If you are looking for an excellent career opportunity at a successful, mission- and values-driven organization, with an amazing team, and a hybrid work schedule, this is a unique opportunity!

Here's what you'll be doing:

Community Education and Outreach

• Plan and conduct community outreach activities 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 to expand program reach.
• Participate in community events, health fairs, and outreach campaigns.
• Distribute educational materials and communicate program updates in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.

Eligibility Determination and Enrollment Assistance

• Screen individuals for eligibility for WA Cares benefits.
• Assist eligible participants in completing WA Cares benefit applications and gathering 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 assistance until applications are completed.

Client Support and Navigation

• Conduct individualized needs assessments.
• Connect client with appropriate community resources, healthcare providers, and social service programs.
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation while protecting confidentiality.
• Follow up with participants to ensure successful enrollment and continued access to benefits.
• Assist clients in understanding renewal requirements and reporting changes when applicable.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate records in required databases and case management systems.
• Track outreach activities, enrollments, and performance metrics.
• Prepare reports as requested.
• Stay current on program policies, eligibility criteria, and regulatory changes.
• Participate in required training and professional development.

Collaboration

• Work closely with internal staff, healthcare providers, community organizations, and state agencies.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborative planning efforts.
• Share best practices and contribute to continuous improvement of outreach and enrollment processes.

Other duties as assigned.

Here's what we're looking for:

Required:

• Associate degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of four years of direct experience working in programs related to health improvement, community services delivery systems, and other 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 presentational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience with benefits navigation, including Medicaid, Apple Health, Washington Healthplanfinder, Medicare, and other public benefit programs.
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC), Navigator, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates preferred.
• Experience conducting community presentations or public education.

Here's why you'll love working at Elevate Health:

Amazing People - A collective of smart, caring people working with partners to improve communities throughout South Puget Sound and make a positive impact each day.

Fun Environment - From all staff meetings to escape rooms, we work hard and also take time to have fun.

Hybrid Schedule - Enjoy the flexibility to work from home and our office.

Robust Benefits - Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement savings, paid holidays, vacation, and personal time.

Real Impact - Clinical care equates to just 20% of a person's overall health. We work across the other 80% - the conditions in which people live, learn, and work across every stage of life - to truly elevate health and well-being. Learn more about us at https://www.elevatehealth.org.

Elevate Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Elevate Health complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.