Health Navigator

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS breadth depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need at every stage of life maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) we value every team members contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a Health Navigator to join the NVFS Health & Nutrition team! As the Health Navigator you will serve an important role to help ensure access to health care. Health Navigators conduct outreach to underserved communities; perform client intake and health coverage needs assessments; assist with the entire health insurance/benefit application process from start to completion; educate the client about the benefits available to them and the importance of utilization of health services; and serve as an advocate and liaison for and on behalf of clients. As the health Navigator you will primarily assist clients in enrolling or re-enrolling clients in Virginias Medicaid programs and assist clients in purchasing health insurance plans on the Virginia Insurance Marketplace (VIM). Also as a health Navigator you will also work with Community Health Workers (CHWs) at NVFS to assist clients in other health coverage options such as referrals to low-cost or free clinics and assistance with applying for financial assistance at hospitals or other care providers.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for assisting others and a strong interest in access to health services and health coverage.

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well have work/life flexibility grow your career with us and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

This position has a starting salary in the mid 40s.

In this role you will:

• Assist clients by providing critical outreach education and counseling for individuals and families seeking health insurance.
• Screen for insurance options and assist eligible clients to apply for insurance through the Virginia Insurance Marketplace (VIM) or other relevant options such as through employer-based insurance plans.
• Assist with public insurance options including but not limited to Medicaid and any other public health insurance options for clients.
• Explain the different options available through the VIM or public insurance the plans affordability and cost-sharing structure and the consumer rights available under these options.
• Help eligible clients complete relevant applications secure necessary supporting documentation and file the applications with the appropriate agencies in a timely manner. This includes helping clients who currently have Medicaid and are due for renewals (i.e. helping with redetermination paperwork).
• Document and track applications and submissions to full completion. Maintain client electronic files in accordance with program requirements and NVFS guidelines and enter required information in program database(s) such as the Apricot 360 Case Management software.
• Advocate for clients with government offices or local department of social services (DSS) staff as necessary and identify complex cases that need to be referred externally to partner agencies for legal review (e.g. Legal Service of Northern Virginia or Virginia Law Poverty Center).
• Collaborate with other NVFS staff members internally as part of integrated services.
• Develop relationships with external partners (e.g. local DSS offices) where applications are filed and for troubleshooting and advocating with those offices.
• Maintain a respectful non-judgmental and compassionate manner with clients. Demonstrate excellent customer service by identifying and exceeding customer requirements.
• Adhere to NVFS policies and procedures with special attention given to HIPAA requirements.
• Demonstrate organizational skills necessary to multi-task meet deadlines and re-prioritize as needed.
• Participate in organizational quality and performance improvement activities.
• Participate in regular supervision with supervisor by providing regular updates and preparing case presentations.
• Maintain current level of knowledge on public health insurance options state-based health exchange plans or other health coverage benefits available to Virginians.

Your Background: We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional personal educational and volunteer experiences.

• Two (2) years related work experience such as case management and care coordination; health promotion and education; healthcare system access and navigation preferred
• Oral and written fluency in English; proficiency in Spanish preferred but not required
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certificate preferred
• Must be willing and able to work towards successful completion of assister training and registration as a Navigator in Virginia
• The ability to quickly learn and stay abreast of updates to insurance options for commercial and public benefits programs specific eligibility criteria benefits application procedures and how to troubleshoot problems as they arise
• The ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and to handle a large caseload of public benefits applications before multiple government agencies in several jurisdictions
• The ability to grasp complex facts procedures and laws
• The ability to work quickly independently and responsibly
• Strong organizational record-keeping and writing skills and attention to detail

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks upon hire.