Client Benefits Navigator

At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture that is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.  Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects of working with trauma survivors on our workforce, and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you. 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Client Benefits Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families in accessing and maintaining public benefits and entitlements. This position involves direct client interaction to identify eligibility, assist with applications, advocate with relevant agencies, and ensure continuity of benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Social Security, and other income and health-related services. The Client Benefits Navigator works closely with internal teams and community partners to promote financial stability and health equity for those served.

Compensation: between $19.42 and $23.15 per hour (compensation is based upon total years of experience)
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

Click to see benefits and company perks

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years of experience in case management, benefits coordination, or social service navigation
• Working knowledge of Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security benefits, and other safety net programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems

Preferred

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, or related field
• Experience working with vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals with disabilities, behavioral health conditions, or experiencing homelessness)
• Familiarity with eligibility systems such as DHS portals, SSA platforms, and health insurance exchanges
• Bilingual

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct individualized benefits assessments to determine eligibility for federal, state, and local programs.
• Provide hands-on assistance with completing and submitting benefit applications (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, housing assistance, utility programs).
• Track application status, follow up with agencies, and advocate on behalf of clients to resolve delays or denials.
• Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities regarding public benefits.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case documentation in accordance with agency policies and compliance standards.
• Coordinate with case managers and other service staff to ensure benefits access aligns with care and service plans.
• Stay current on changes in eligibility rules and application procedures and disseminate relevant updates to staff and clients.
• Assist clients with appeals and redeterminations as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and quality assurance activities.
• *Maintains service statistics, analyzes data, and prepares reports.
• *Informs supervisor of any developing patterns concerning their program.
• *Is dependable and punctual regarding scheduling and attendance.
• Displays a courteous and caring attitude at all times to the clientele, volunteers, and visitors of the Agency.
• Cooperates and collaborates with agency and collateral staff.
• Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Develops personal and program related skills through participation in internal and external training opportunities including printed material and audio and/or visual media.
• *Creates, maintains and shares as appropriate a dynamic self-care plan.
• *Strives to make connections between the agency and the larger community whenever possible in order to contribute to the agency’s ongoing fundraising and friend-raising efforts.
• *Essential functions of this job is to be performed on company physical work site.
• Performs other program related duties as assigned.

 *DENOTES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS