Benefits Navigator

Position Summary

The Workforce Inclusion Network (WIN) Benefits Navigator will serve a critical role within the Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center (MAC) team. This position requires a dedicated individual to coordinate member referrals, liaise with grant project teams and MAC staff, track and report on project outcomes, and provide essential navigation and benefits counseling services to program participants.

This is a grant-funded position in collaboration with University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The Employ210 grant’s goal is to address the employment gap of individuals with disabilities by aligning employee skills with employer needs before job placement. The individual in this position will serve as Morgan’s MAC project coordinator on the Employ 210 project. www.employ210.com

Mac Competencies

• Active Listening Skills – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Stress Tolerance – Requires accepting feedback and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Concern for Others – Requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
• Integrity – Requires being honest and ethical.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, employment services, human services, or related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in job development and community outreach for people with disabilities required.
• Experience supporting employment for diverse workgroups, such as veterans and people with disabilities required.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of team, across different backgrounds (non-profit, for-profit, education systems, etc.).
• Ability to learn or knowledge of Knowledge of American with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).
• Knowledge of Employment Networks (ENs) and the Ticket-to-Work Program.
• Experience or knowledge of employment for diverse populations, such as veterans and people with disabilities.
• Experience with electronic health records or content management systems.
• Proficiency with SharePoint and Microsoft Office.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
  
  

Required Skills

• Knowledge of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Knowledge of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local work incentives programs.
• Knowledge of public benefits programs, including basic operations and interactions between the programs, specifically in terms of how they are affected by employment.
• Familiarity with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC-VR) and Social Security’s Employment Network (ENs).
• Strong counseling and evaluation-related skills (ability to listen, evaluate alternatives, and advise beneficiaries on a potential course of action).
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload and systems change.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a close team environment.
• Ability to work with a diverse population of cultures and varied socioeconomic status.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with complex cases and able to anticipate MAC member needs.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Benefits Connection
• Facilitates access to accurate work incentives planning and assistance for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, collaborating with SSA personnel and conducting outreach to promote effective use of available incentives and encourage successful employment outcomes.
• Acts as a liaison and advocate for assigned individuals in MAC Care Coordination meetings, providing relevant information to stakeholders and raising pertinent questions.
• Stays current on community agencies and resources to provide accurate, timely information.
• Conduct MAC pre/post surveys, per timeline identified in MAC Policy and Procedures.
• Employ 210 Project Coordination
• Serve as the project coordinator for Morgan’s MAC team through the Workforce Inclusion Network program.
• Coordinate participant referrals for the project, communicating with the project team (UTSA) and Morgan’s MAC staff.
• Present Employ210 Grant services to community and business sectors.
• Facilitate Employ210 events in the community such as job fairs, employer luncheons, and networking events.
• Communication and Reporting
• Collect and report outcome measures based on Vocational Rehabilitation evaluation criteria and serve as the navigator and benefits counselor for all project participants.
• Report on progress in statistical and narrative reports
• Manage contacts with businesses, government, and other agencies on behalf of The MAC WIN Center – Employ 210 Grant program.
• Ensure all collected data is accessible in the MAC Navigation System and maintain MAC Member record.
• Morgan’s MAC Engagement
• Actively participate and regularly attend WIN and client staff training/meetings by sharing information, contributing ideas, facilitating, and actively listening.
• Participate in all meetings and education sessions regarding MAC Navigation System.
• Regular attendance and timeliness required per The MAC guidelines.
• Participation in all applicable performance evaluation programs is required.
• Adhere to established productivity benchmarks.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
  

Working Conditions

• Position based in a standard office environment with possible travel to meetings and outreach events.
• Core business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• After-hours work is required from time to time, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position regularly, up to 85% of the time.
• Frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and carry office materials and supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as calculator, phone, fax, copier, etc. and a personal computer.
• Ability to exchange accurate information in person and over the phone.
• Primarily work indoors and within the community.
  
  

Other

• May have to complete other related trainings and tasks as required by the grantors.
• Job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative to work within specific timelines.
• Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
• Must present a neat, clean, well-groomed, professional appearance.
• Must have a receptive and retentive mind and a memory for details.
• Must exhibit good judgment, adaptability, persuasiveness, self-confidence, and an optimistic attitude.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with the minimum auto insurance required by the State – must keep license and insurance current or have reliable transportation.