Project Care Navigator

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Saint Cloud (MN); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Half-day Friday (office closes at noon

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in St. Cloud, MN seeks a full-time Project Care Navigator to help clients access affordable healthcare through MNsure and public programs.

The role collaborates with attorneys, healthcare providers, social workers, and community partners, with initial in-office onboarding and potential hybrid work later. The ideal candidate has MNsure Navigator certification, strong communication and organizational skills, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• MNSURE Navigator certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Background in healthcare, social services, or related nonprofit work.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining healthcare coverage (MA, MinnesotaCare, private plans via MNsure).
• Conduct client interviews to identify needs, barriers, and resources.
• Help with applications, renewals, forms and documentation.
• Educate clients on programs, eligibility, and community resources.
• Coordinate referrals with providers, agencies and government entities.
• Maintain accurate case records and program documentation.
• Monitor progress and follow up on applications and referrals.
• Participate in outreach events and partnership meetings.
• Assist with grant reporting, data collection and outcome tracking.
• Apply MMLA's Racial Justice Values in all work.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Microsoft Office

Local travel

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Description

Position Title: Project Care Navigator

Position Type: Full-Time Grant-Funded Position with funding secured through December 2027, Non-Exempt

Location: St. Cloud, MN

Introduction

MMLA is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to serve as a full-time Project Care Navigator. This position supports individuals and families experiencing barriers to affordable healthcare coverage by helping them navigate complex systems and connect with critical resources. The person will be based in MMLA’s St. Cloud office and will work as a MNsure certified navigator with the agency’s Project Care team.

The Project Care Navigator works closely with attorneys, healthcare providers, social workers, community organizations, and government agencies to assist clients in accessing healthcare coverage, both public healthcare programs and private insurance through the MNsure Marketplace. This position works within a team of Navigators and under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney.

This is a one-year, benefit-eligible position expected to last until December 31, 2027. The position may continue beyond that date depending on performance and funding availability.

The successful candidate will work fully in the office during the training period to ensure comprehensive onboarding and integration into our processes. Upon completion of training, a hybrid work model may be offered based on business needs.

Candidates who are available to begin work as soon as possible are strongly encouraged to apply.

What’s in it for you?

We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

On Fridays, the office closes at noon and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time.

MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship.

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals access healthcare through affordable healthcare coverage.

Experience working alongside attorneys, healthcare professionals, and community partners addressing barriers facing low-income Minnesotans.

Benefit-eligible temporary employment with hands-on experience in public-interest advocacy and social services.

Why MMLA?

We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all!

Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change lives together.

Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and it is critical that we incorporate these values into all aspects of our work. We recognize the particular and highly detrimental impact of racism—and of Minnesota’s racial disparities—on MMLA’s clients and staff. We therefore devote special attention to issues of racial justice.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining healthcare coverage, including Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, and Advanced Premium Tax Credits for private plans through the MNsure Marketplace.
• Conduct client interviews to identify needs, barriers, and available resources.
• Assist clients with applications, renewals, forms, and supporting documentation related to healthcare.
• Educate clients regarding available programs, eligibility requirements, and community resources.
• Coordinate services and referrals with healthcare providers, social service agencies, community organizations, and government entities.
• Maintain accurate case records and program documentation.
• Monitor client progress and follow up regarding applications, appeals, and service referrals.
• Participate in outreach activities, community education events, and partnership meetings.
• Assist with grant reporting, data collection, and outcome tracking activities.
• Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all aspects of the work.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Project Care program.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Other Characteristics

Knowledge

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn public and private healthcare coverage systems and community resources.
• Familiarity with issues affecting low-income individuals and families.
• Understanding of community-based service delivery and client advocacy principles.
• Knowledge of public benefits programs, healthcare eligibility processes, or the ability to learn complex healthcare coverage and enrollment requirements.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and client-service skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to accurately manage data and documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Skill in conducting client interviews, gathering information, and identifying barriers to services and healthcare access.
• Skill in community outreach, relationship building, and presenting information to individuals and groups.

Abilities

• Ability to establish rapport and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and identify appropriate resources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coordinate multiple client cases, monitor progress, and ensure timely follow-up on referrals, applications, and service needs.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive services and effectively engage individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, economic, and rural communities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain MNsure Navigator certification and comply with program requirements.
• Ability to travel locally to community events, outreach activities, and partner locations.

Other Characteristics

• Commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
• Compassion, professionalism, and cultural humility.
• Initiative and willingness to learn.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to complete the MNsure Navigator certification, including a background check.
• Ability to do short travel within Central Minnesota and to accept occasional flexibility in work schedule.
• Associate degree, bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in healthcare, human services, social services, public benefits, customer service, nonprofit organizations, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.
• Ability to work from the St. Cloud office during onboarding and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, French ASL, or another language commonly spoken by MMLA clients is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with public benefits programs, healthcare navigation, or case management.
• Experience assisting individuals with Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SNAP, MFIP, or related programs.
• Experience working in a healthcare, legal services, nonprofit, or community-based setting.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, rural, and/or cultural communities.

Compensation Information

Salary of $52,661 to $54,803 per year, depending on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off.

Salary Determination: Salary is based on relevant prior experience and aligned with our organizational salary matrix. Candidates are placed on the schedule according to years of directly related experience to ensure consistency and equity.

Language Proficiency Credit: For client-facing roles (e.g., attorneys, legal assistants, intake staff), fluency in a relevant non-English language or ASL may count as one additional year of experience. Fluency must be certified at Intermediate High or above, with sufficient oral and written skills to perform all job duties without an interpreter. Assessment is conducted by an external testing service.

Language Requirement (if applicable): If a role requires fluency in a specific language or ASL, candidates must achieve a certified rating of Intermediate High or above in both oral and written communication. Offers are contingent on meeting this standard; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity employer. The terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security, may vary based on union status. Positions within our organization may be governed by collective bargaining agreements and union representation, while others are not