Coach II - Assister

Coach II - Benefits Assister

Coaches at NEKCA work within their area of specialty to support our participants through a human-centered, strength-based approach in identifying and setting goals for themselves and/or their families. Through compassion and relationship-building, Coaches are responsible with program intake, service delivery, and data collection. Furthermore, Coaches work on a state-wide level with peers from other agencies to uphold grant programming in a holistic way.

This position is a Benefits Assistance Coach (II) in the Economic and Community Based Services Department which primarily assists and advocates for low-income individuals and families seeking assistance with basic needs, and connection to programs, services and resources. This position will coach clients in considering their eligibility, and provide assistance applying for various NEKCA, federal, state, and community programs and services.

They will also provide education and enrollment assistance to individuals and families through the Department of Vermont Health Access.

Essential Functions:

• Work with families to develop healthy and positive outcomes in all aspects family development.
• Support families in navigating wrap around services as needed
• Develop and implement programmatic work plan in collaboration with the Economic Access Manager
• Ensure reporting requirements are in compliance with grant documents
• Develop proposals for funding, using supportive data in coordination with Economic Access Manager
• Use Go-Engage to track participants' progress and assess programmatic utilization
• Provide expert feedback to Economic Equity Access about the progress, flow, successes, barriers of the program
• Prioritize work effectively, including, at a minimum, providing quality services, completing paperwork to meet deadlines and comply with program/grant requirements
• Market program to ensure public awareness; develop and update program marketing and outreach plan; utilize social media and NEKCA Communications Department for programmatic outreach
• Oversee recruitment and enrollment of participants in the program
• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance
• Recruit, schedule and train volunteers for program needs
• Design oversee and facilitate access to trainings, coaching, and services for participants

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Obtain and maintain Benefit Assistor certification through the Department of Vermont Health Access.
• Provide education, enrollment assistance, and health insurance navigation for Medicaid to NEKCA clients.
• Provide education, application assistance and conduct outreach for hunger relief programs such as 3
  
  SquaresVT (SNAP), Farm to Family Coupons, and Crop Cash.
• Advocate for clients with various agencies to apply for and access essential and supportive services and coordinate efforts with other agencies on the family's behalf
• Be present to the household in various settings outside of the office including their home and community locations
• Travel as needed within NEKCA's service areas to meet with clients
• Provide information on and assist households in accessing and applying for other services offered by NEKCA specifically the Economic Access Programs to help with credit improvement, budgeting, and asset development.
• Cross train with the other NEKCA programs to further the integration of services for the benefit of the household
• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, training opportunities, quality improvement initiatives, and community collaborations to strengthen services and improve participant outcomes
• Work collaboratively with VT 211, the VT Community Action Partnership, and other organizations providing Benefit Assistor services to maintain consistent data collection, reporting, and overall quality of service.
• Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify income for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines.
• Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines
• Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households
• Understand and follow all program guidance and policies
• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

Position Requirements:

• BA (preferred)
• 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
• This position is considered a mandated reporter.
• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)
• Demonstrate positive…