Care Navigation and Benefits Specialist

This role specializes in navigating, documenting, and training on Veteran specific benefits, resources, and protocols. This includes VA Care, Community Care, and non-health related resources that address social needs (food, housing, etc.) This position reports to the Director of Care Coordination. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience as a clinical social worker, care coordinator, care navigator or similar field with demonstrated progressive program management experience
• 1+ years of experience working remotely
• Experience working directly with Veterans and/or within the VA system
• Knowledge of VA healthcare, veteran benefits/resources, behavioral health, and SDOH
• Experience working with medically and/or behavioral health complex populations
• Dedicated home office for remote work
• Strong interpersonal, communication (both verbal and written), collaborative, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with members over the phone and by text message
• Experience documenting case notes in a care management or electronic health record platform
• Experience with motivational interviewing

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience with Apple computers (i.e., MacBook) preferred
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish preferred

Key Responsibilities:

• Program and Workflow Development
  • Assist in developing veteran specific care coordination workflows and processes
  • Help establish guidelines for complex cases and escalations
  • Identify appropriate scopes for non-clinical care coordinators, nurses, and social workers
  • Help identify any gaps and opportunities as the program develops
• VA Resource Subject Matter Expert
  • Serve as a resource regarding VA healthcare, benefits, and veteran specific services
  • Help Care Coordinators navigate VA, community, and veteran specific resources
  • Provide benefits education and connects veterans to appropriate benefits resources when additional assistance in needed
• Care Coordination Support
  • Provide guidance on complex veteran cases
  • Assist with determining appropriate referrals, resources, and escalation
  • Provide direct veteran support when needed
• Training and Team Support
  • Partner with Director of Training and Development/Director of Care Coordination to develop veteran-specific training
  • Educate CCs on VA healthcare, veteran resources, benefits navigation, and common barriers
  • Serve as an ongoing SW/VA subject matter expert for CC team

Ability To:

• Work effectively in a multi-cultural setting with a wide range of populations in a diverse community, while demonstrating knowledge and continued learning of the assigned community’s cultures and values.
• Be an advocate for, support, and motivate members to manage their health and healthcare.
• Maintain positive working relationships with members and their families, providers, and other external partners.
• Build trust, actively listen, intentionally communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve.
• Influence others toward positive outcomes.
• Show passion for helping people improve their lives.
• Move forward after setbacks or difficult interactions with members, using setbacks as learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm CST

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This position is entirely remote, working from a dedicated home office.
• This position requires sitting for long periods of time.
• Travel not required.