Onsite DSS Community Engagement Navigator - Rutherford County

Location: Onsite: This role requires associates to work from the posted locations full-time, enabling consistent face-to-face collaboration, teamwork, and direct engagement. This policy promotes an environment built on in-person interaction, communication, and immediate support. This position will be located in the Department of Social Services office of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless accommodation is granted as required by law. 

Work Shift Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time).

TRAVEL: Travels to and remains onsite at assigned DSS agency location 5 days a week.

We are partnering with North Carolina DHHS to operationalize a statewide Medicaid Plan designed to support Medicaid-enrolled infants, children, youth, young adults, and families served by the child welfare system so that they receive seamless, integrated, and coordinated health care. Within the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), and regardless of where a member lives, they will have access to the same basic benefits and services, including Physical health, Behavioral health, Pharmacy, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) services, long term services and supports, Unmet health-related resource needs, and Integrated care management. We envision North Carolina where all children and families thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing homes. 

The Community Navigator serves as a vital link between the health plan, local Departments of Social Services (DSS), and community stakeholders. This role focuses on removing barriers related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and ensuring members receive the necessary support and services.

How you will make an impact:  

• Engage with members who have been identified as possessing significant SDOH barriers.

• Collaborates with members, interdisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders to identify goals and develop care plans that address barriers related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), physical and behavioral health needs, and gaps in care..

• Supports members in accessing healthcare services and resources, while assisting with the development, maintenance, and engagement in new relationships.

• Interface with Care Managers to ensure that the individualized plan is aligned with existing or needed case management efforts.

• Act as a liaison between community stakeholders and the health plan.

• Additional expectations to include but not limited to:

• Proficient in maintaining focus during extended periods of sitting and handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; strong verbal and written communication skills, both with virtual and in-person interactions;  attentive to details, critical thinker, and a problem-solver;  demonstrates empathy and persistence to resolve caller issues completely; comfort and proficiency with digital tools and platforms to enhance productivity and minimize manual efforts. 

• Associates in this role are expected to have the ability to multi-task, including handling calls, texts, facsimiles, and electronic queues, while simultaneously taking notes and speaking to customers.

• Associates in this role will have a structured work schedule with occasional overtime or flexibility based on business needs, including the ability to work from the office as necessary. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

BA/BS degree in Public Health, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling or related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience with marketing, job development, job placement or social work; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.

Preferred Skills, Capabilities, and Experiences: 

• Familiarity with Vocational Rehabilitation and supporting members with overcoming barriers to employment preferred.

• Experience working with Children, Youth, and Families who are being served by Local Departments of Social Services through Foster Care and Adoptive Assistance programs is strongly preferred.

• Experience serving the children and youth involved in Foster Care and Social Services is strongly preferred.

• The ability to demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills in both virtual and in-person settings.

• Prior experience in managing the delivery of services to meet the needs of children and youth with complex physical and behavioral health needs is strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of resources, supports, services and opportunities required for safe community living for populations is strongly preferred.