Benefits Navigator
Westchester Jewish Community Services
Accounting & Finance
Yonkers, NY, USA
USD 50k-50k / year
Overview:
Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is an award-winning nonprofit, nonsectarian human services organization founded in 1943. Today, it has grown to be the largest provider of licensed outpatient community behavioral health services and one of the largest human service agencies in Westchester County. WJCS delivers innovative programs and services and compassionate care to more than 20,000 people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the county.
We are currently seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and community-centered Benefits Navigator to support the Workforce Pathways & Benefit Stability Initiative (WPBSI), a workforce-anchored initiative designed to help low-income adults—particularly Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—maintain access to essential public benefits while progressing toward long-term economic stability.
The Benefits Navigator will play a critical role in helping participants successfully navigate complex systems, avoid disruptions in benefits, and overcome barriers to workforce participation. This position is ideal for someone passionate about anti-poverty work, community stabilization, and improving access to resources for vulnerable populations throughout Westchester County.
The salary for this full-time position is $50,000.
Responsibilities:
As a valued member of our team, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct intake and benefits eligibility and needs assessment of program participants.
- Provide individualized benefits navigation and case support to participants enrolled in WPBSI.
- Assist clients with SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefit applications, recertifications, and documentation requirements.
- Track and monitor deadlines for reauthorization for all clients.
- Help participants understand and comply with federal and state work requirement policies.
- Support clients in gathering verification documents and resolving benefit interruptions or denials.
- Conduct screenings for social determinants of health and identify barriers impacting benefit stability and workforce participation.
- Coordinate referrals to workforce development, behavioral health, food security, transportation, childcare, and digital literacy resources.
- Collaborate closely with career coaches, social service providers, WJCS CCBHC clinics, other WJCS programs, and Department of Social Services partners to ensure coordinated care.
- Educate participants on available community resources and benefit eligibility processes.
- Maintain accurate case documentation, participant records, and outcome tracking in compliance with program standards.
- Assist participants in accessing technology resources and improving digital literacy needed for benefit management and job search activities.
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and community partnership initiatives across WJCS service locations.
Requirements:
We are seeking candidates who possess the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field
- Minimum 2 years of experience in benefits navigation, case management, social services, or community-based support programs
- Familiarity with Westchester County social service systems and community resources
- Experience supporting individuals with Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs)
- Bilingual English/Spanish candidates strongly preferred
- Experience working with workforce development or anti-poverty initiatives preferred
- Ability to work evening hours as needed.
- Knowledge of public assistance systems including SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety-net programs preferred
- Strong understanding of barriers impacting low-income individuals and underserved communities
- Experience working with diverse populations in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic records systems, and digital communication platforms
What WJCS has to offer you:
In addition to meaningful work and a supportive team environment, we offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Generous paid time off
- Comprehensive Health Benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
- 403(b) Plan and an Agency-Paid Pension Plan
- Ongoing Professional Development and Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition, day-care, and personal emergency reimbursements
- Disability and life insurance
- Staff appreciation events and employee mental health and wellness initiatives
WJCS INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER