Job Description

OUR MISSION: Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty.

Our Vision: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to

reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The SSVF Health Care Navigator (HCN) is a grant-funded position responsible for supporting Veteran households in accessing and navigating VA and non-VA healthcare systems. This role focuses on removing barriers to care, improving health outcomes, and promoting housing stability by ensuring Veterans are connected to appropriate healthcare services, benefits, and community-based resources.

The HCN provides direct services including healthcare eligibility navigation, benefits enrollment assistance, referrals, and coordinated care transitions ("warm handoffs"). The position works closely with the SSVF team-including case managers, housing specialists, and income specialists-to ensure a holistic, Housing First approach.

This is a grant-funded position contingent upon continued program funding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Two years of experience in social services, healthcare navigation, case management, or a related field

• Experience working with Veteran populations, healthcare systems, or vulnerable populations preferred

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, healthcare access barriers, and homeless services best practices preferred

• Veteran status preferred (not required)

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.

• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.

• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of VA and non-VA healthcare systems (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, CHAMPVA)

• Ability to navigate complex benefit systems and eligibility requirements

• Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries

• Knowledge of HMI, Docmtg and Squares.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Assess Veterans' eligibility for VA and community-based healthcare programs, including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, TRICARE, and other local/state resources, ensuring comprehensive access to available benefits

• Provide hands-on assistance with the completion and submission of healthcare and public benefit applications, including verifying and gathering all required documentation to support timely approvals

• Deliver individualized education to Veterans on healthcare benefits, available services, and system navigation, promoting health literacy and empowering informed decision-making

• Facilitate access to preventive care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, and chronic disease management to improve overall health outcomes

• Identify appropriate healthcare providers across VA and community systems and coordinate referrals to ensure timely and appropriate care delivery

• Conduct "warm handoffs" and active care coordination to ensure seamless transitions between providers, services, and levels of care

• Develop, strengthen, and maintain collaborative partnerships with healthcare providers, clinics, and community-based organizations to expand service access and coordination

• Proactively identify and address barriers to healthcare access-including transportation, digital access, childcare, financial constraints, and systemic challenges-and implement solutions to reduce disparities

• Collaborate closely with SSVF team members to ensure healthcare services align with housing stabilization plans and overall case management goals

• Connect Veterans to crisis intervention services, including suicide prevention resources, emergency medical care, and behavioral health crisis supports as needed

• Educate Veterans on accessing emergency healthcare services, including benefits and protections available under the COMPACT Act and other relevant programs

• Support aging Veterans in navigating geriatric care, long-term care services, and community-based supports to promote aging in place when possible

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in all required data systems in compliance with program standards and reporting requirements

• Ensure adherence to all SSVF grant requirements, healthcare regulations, privacy standards (HIPAA), and organizational policies

• Monitor, track, and report on key outcomes related to healthcare access, engagement, and service utilization to support program effectiveness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Manual dexterity for handling computers, devices, and office equipment.

• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional driving to Linn, Benton, Yamhill and Lincoln Counties

• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.

• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.

• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Close quarters, often with a client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.

• Personally, responsive to urgent situations, which could require travel for on-site interventions.

• Primarily indoor work environment, occasional client engagement outdoors, with frequent interruptions and demands.

• Exposure to animals, animal dander, trash, and potential biohazards.

• Occasional urgent situations requiring law enforcement involvement and/or paramedic professionals.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232

Pre-employment background and drug screening is required.