Houston, Texas
The Community Resource Navigator is responsible for providing state public benefits assistance and referrals to clients across the Houston Food Bank’s 18-county service area by traveling to social service agencies, Houston Food Bank sites, and community events, as well as over the phone and virtually. These benefits include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). The Community Resource Navigator will be responsible for assessing applications, handling client documentation, collecting information, entering data, and providing great customer service. This position will work closely with food bank community partners and other service agencies.
Adhere to PACT values. (Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrating ownership to achieve results. See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Courage: Standing up for what’s right and acting. Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly).
Reliable and consistent attendance is a requirement. This position requires punctuality and dependable attendance to meet the needs of the business, including attending and taking part in meetings, events, and presentations.
Provides application assistance to clients for public state benefit programs via the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) online application (Self Service Portal) or paper application(s) at Field Sites.
Ensures HIPAA compliance by safeguarding clients’ information.
Accurately enters client data, and collects, verifies, and scans appropriate documents into the eligibility database according to Eligibility Policies and Procedures.
Assists clients in gathering all required documentation, if necessary; and provides guidance on additional documentation that may be requested of the clients.
Complies with departmental, HFB, Feeding Texas, State of Texas-HHSC reports and timelines.
Meets all contractual requirements and deliverables per the State Plan.
Informs and educates clients on program benefits via different approved communication methods (i.e. in person, over the phone, virtually, or through mail).
Submits timely and accurate daily client information on required reporting platforms.
Responsible for the security of all issued equipment and supplies; including, but not limited to laptops, cellular phones, portable scanners, etc.
Complies with and meets departmental goals and objectives.
Attends meetings, presentations, training, and activities as required and on time.
Develops and posts/distributes, with permission, educational materials to community based organizations (CBOs), social services agencies, and partner agencies including HFB.
Increase awareness to the local community through education regarding program and policy requirements.
Connects clients to the referral partner program.
Assists with training new staff through observation and daily process review.
Drives and operates a SNAP vehicle for outreach events.
Support with disaster recovery duties, as needed (i.e., natural disaster).
High School Diploma from an accredited school or general education development (GED) certificate, plus 2 years of related case management services to clients.
In lieu of experience, a Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a closely related field (i.e. Social Work, Social Sciences) required.
Community Health Worker (CHW) certification preferred
Experience in a social service agency preferred
Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. (For best performance, the job holder in this position would be expected to show the right knowledge, skills, and abilities in the listed areas.)
Ability to pass a background check administered by the Houston Food Bank and HHSC
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to learn new software systems
Must be able to perform basic mathematical functions such as addition and multiplication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Ability to understand and follow directions and complete complex state benefits applications
Strong ethical character
Ability to work with a diverse population, including the public
Strong customer service skills and willingness to assist others
Able to work cooperatively and coordinate well with coworkers and other departments
Strong time-management skills, self-starter, self-motivated
Strong problem-solving abilities
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work on and adapt to multiple projects with attention to detail and accuracy while adhering to deadlines in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Ability to adapt to change