Shelter Health Services Specialist

Shelter Health Services Specialist

MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits - but we consider the best benefit here to be the reward of helping those in our community live better lives. Come find meaningful work and bring your skills as a Shelter Health Services Specialist.

This position is responsible for supporting shelter clients in accessing and navigating healthcare systems. Your main responsibilities will be focusing on removing barriers to care, improving health outcomes, and promoting housing stability by ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate healthcare services, benefits, and community-based resources. The Shelter Health Services Specialist provides direct services including healthcare eligibility navigation, benefits enrollment assistance, referrals, and coordinated care transitions ("warm handoffs").

The position works closely with the shelter's services teams-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. This team offers a lot of growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.

Day Shift.

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in social services, public health, or related field.
• Two years of experience in social services, healthcare navigation, case management, or a related field required.
• Experience working with healthcare systems or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, healthcare access barriers, and homeless services best practices preferred.
• 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 healthcare systems (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare).
• 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 HMIS and data compliance.

WHAT YOU WILL DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY 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 individuals' eligibility for community-based healthcare programs, including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, TRICARE, and other local/state resources, ensuring comprehensive access to available benefits.
• Provide assistance with the completion and submission of healthcare and public benefit applications, including verifying and gathering all required documentation to support timely approvals.
• 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 community systems and coordinate referrals to ensure timely and appropriate care delivery.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain collaborative partnerships with healthcare providers, clinics, and community-based organizations to expand service access and coordination.
• Proactively identify barriers to healthcare access-including transportation, digital access, childcare, financial constraints, and systemic challenges-and collaborate with supervisor to implement solutions to reduce disparities.
• Collaborate closely with shelter services team members to ensure healthcare services align with housing stabilization plans and overall case management goals.
• Connect individuals to crisis intervention services, including suicide prevention resources, emergency medical care, and behavioral health crisis supports as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in all required data systems in compliance with program standards and reporting requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all grant requirements, healthcare regulations, privacy standards (HIPAA), and organizational policies.
• Monitor, track, and report on key outcomes…