Benefits Navigator

FLSA Status: Overtime Eligible/Non-Exempt

2025 Salary Range: $64,019 to $85,168

Reports To: WA Cares Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Benefits Navigator supports older adults, persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers with access to, and effective utilization of, their WA Cares Fund benefit. This includes conducting eligibility assessments, providing information and assistance, offering benefits navigation or options consultation, offering disenrollment counseling, and conducting WA Cares Fund specific outreach activities. The WA Cares Fund benefit is a one-time amount working Washingtonians earn that is used to pay for eligible long-term care services and supports of their choice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide information to older adults, persons with disabilities, caregivers and families on long-term care payment and service options over the telephone, in person or in-home, as well as in community settings.
• Assist WA Cares Fund beneficiaries with obtaining appropriate services, through application assistance and advocacy.
• Schedule WA Cares Fund eligibility assessments, complete telephonic safety screening, and set visit expectations with WA Cares Fund applicants.
• Conduct WA Cares Fund eligibility assessments in applicants homes, using web-based applications, and occasional over-the-phone assessments.
• Provide options consultation through high-level, person-centered conversations to identify appropriate resources and referrals for WA Cares beneficiaries with a goal of one-contact resolution
• Provide benefit navigation by helping WA Cares Fund beneficiaries understand and access their WA Cares benefits, find and hire WA Cares registered providers, get claims assistance, and utilize their benefit effectively, offering warm hand offs and follow up.
• Work with other provider agencies to coordinate client services and resolve client problems, as needed.
• Manage caseload for WA Cares Fund program.
• Staff cases as needed with Supervisor, department leadership, and partner agencies.
• Offer disenrollment counseling by explaining transitions from WA Cares to Medicaid or other long-term care payment options.
• Assist with recruiting organizations that offer WA Cares Fund eligible services, upon request.
• Develop familiarity with internal and external programs to make referrals, as needed.
• Record data and complete paperwork in online systems.
• Follow program rules and regulations as directed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and state policies.
• Expected to maintain a clear understanding of, and comply with, all Agency policies and procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate knowledge of WA Cares Fund programs electronic systems.
• Review reports.
• Participate in team meetings and trainings as required or appropriate.
• Provide input regarding system issues, barriers to service and service gaps.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES & JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to understand federal, state, and local rules, regulations and guidelines pertaining to State core, and other commonly used services.
• Ability to communicate with the public, both in person and over the phone and using written materials. Hear and speak clearly on the phone. Excellent communication skills, oral and written.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and interpret information in English.
• Demonstrated skills in interviewing, objective analysis, problem solving, and documentation of activities.
• Ability to organize and manage own workload in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to travel to client homes and community agencies or to work at a desk up to eight hours a day using a computer and telephone.
• Ability to climb stairs and to make home and residential client visits in settings that may not be accessible or may not meet prevailing community standards.
• Ability to learn and master new job responsibilities.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team; to use sound judgment and tact in dealing with clients and members of the public and in interpreting regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to be approachable and flexible in working with diverse groups.
• Successfully pass a background check according to Department of Social and Health Services and agency policies.
• Valid/current WA State Drivers License with current automobile insurance.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Masters degree in behavioral or health sciences and one year of paid social services experience;
• OR Bachelors degree in behavioral health or health sciences and two years of paid on-the-job social services experience;
• OR Bachelors degree in non-behavioral health or sciences and four years of paid social services experience;
• OR five years Case Management experience with preference for experience working with older adults and /or people with disabilities

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position requires an ability to perform office functions in a hybrid work model, which includes working two days per work week in a designated Agency office and the remainder of the week in a designated home office. Work is performed indoors in an office environment, usually weekdays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Works in a variety of settings, both in an office and where the client resides. May be exposed to allergens and irritants in client homes.
• Travel is required within Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties and occasionally to other parts of the state.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 25lbs occasionally, and/or up to 10lbs frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions and core competencies of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. This job description, while comprehensive, should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements or tasks. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

This Agency is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with its employees to reasonably accommodate them with the physical aspects of a position. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical handicap, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.