Benefits Navigator - CCBHC

Centerstone; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

HSA/FSA

403b match

PTO & holidays

AD&D & Life

Long-term Disability

ERGs

Continued education

Employee Assistance

Job summary

Centerstone in Illinois is seeking a Benefits Navigator to help clients obtain Medicaid and related benefits, ensuring access to behavioral health services and continuity of care. You will work with clients, families, clinical teams, and community partners in a trauma-informed, person-centered way.

The role involves applications, renewals, proactive outreach, documentation in EHR, and staying current with Illinois Medicaid policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Experience with public benefits, insurance navigation, or human services preferred.
• Behavioral health or community-based service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with applications, renewals, and updates for Illinois Medicaid (HFS) and other public benefits, including SNAP and related programs, using the Illinois ABE portal.
• Monitor Medicaid eligibility and renewal timelines and conduct proactive outreach to clients to reduce gaps or disruptions in coverage.
• Provide clear, trauma-informed education to clients regarding benefits eligibility, renewal requirements, and reporting responsibilities.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure benefits status supports continuity of care.
• Communicate with DHS, HFS, Managed Care Organizations, and other benefit entities on behalf of clients with appropriate authorization.
• Document benefits-related activities accurately and timely in the electronic health record and designated tracking systems.
• Track basic outcomes related to benefit retention and renewals and support CCBHC reporting and quality improvement efforts.
• Maintain current knowledge of Illinois Medicaid policies, benefit programs, and CCBHC requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Trauma-informed approach

Ethical standards

Education

High school diploma

Associate or bachelor’s degree

Tools

Illinois ABE portal

Job description

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Benefits Navigator supports Centerstone’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model by assisting individuals in obtaining and maintaining health insurance and public benefits that support access to care. This role focuses primarily on Illinois Medicaid and related benefit programs and works collaboratively with clients, families, clinical teams, and community partners to promote continuity of care and reduce barriers to services. The Benefits Navigator engages individuals in a respectful, person-centered manner and provides education, coordination, and advocacy to support financial stability and uninterrupted access to behavioral health services. This position operates under the supervision of CCBHC leadership and supports Centerstone’s Mission, Vision, and Values in delivering care that changes people’s lives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist clients with applications, renewals, and updates for Illinois Medicaid (HFS) and other public benefits, including SNAP and related programs, using the Illinois ABE portal.
• Monitor Medicaid eligibility and renewal timelines and conduct proactive outreach to clients to reduce gaps or disruptions in coverage.
• Provide clear, trauma-informed education to clients regarding benefits eligibility, renewal requirements, and reporting responsibilities.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure benefits status supports continuity of care.
• Communicate with DHS, HFS, Managed Care Organizations, and other benefit entities on behalf of clients with appropriate authorization.
• Document benefits-related activities accurately and timely in the electronic health record and designated tracking systems.
• Track basic outcomes related to benefit retention and renewals and support CCBHC reporting and quality improvement efforts.
• Maintain current knowledge of Illinois Medicaid policies, benefit programs, and CCBHC requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of or ability to learn Illinois Medicaid and public benefit programs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage deadlines and multiple client needs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and independently as needed.
• Commitment to Centerstone’s values, confidentiality, and ethical practice standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education Level High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred
• Years of Experience Experience with public benefits, insurance navigation, or human services preferred
• Behavioral health or community-based service experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Task Percentage of Time/Frequency Standing - 20%
• Sitting - 80%
• Squatting - occasional
• Driving - occasional
• Kneeling - occasional
• Lifting - occasional
• Bending - occasional

DISCLAIMER

The duties and responsibilities described in this document are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Time Type: Full time

Pay Range: $17.35--$24.30

Delivering care that changes people’s lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect.

At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture. Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve.

Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.

Centerstone is a nonprofit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital.

Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs.

Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities.

Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.