Healthcare Navigator

Department: SSVF Program

Job Description: Healthcare Navigator

Overview:

Homeward Bound’s Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program provides short-term financial assistance for housing and case management support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County. The program’s temporary financial assistance assists with move-in costs and can also provide short-term rental and/or utility assistance. The program offers resources and services that are tailored to the unique needs of the household. We work with vulnerable people, many of whom have experienced trauma, have mental illness and substance use disorders.

The SSVF Healthcare Navigator will work with veterans on a variety of issues to assist them in identifying and overcoming challenges to accessing the healthcare system or adhering to recommended health care plans. This includes gaining access to VA or community health care, identifying health care needs, supporting health care plans by identifying barriers to care, care coordination with the VA and other community providers, and providing education on wellness-related topics. The Healthcare Navigator will also assist veterans in understanding and communicating with providers to make informed decisions about health care. The Healthcare Navigator will support and encourage veterans to ask providers questions about medication and treatment plans. This position also works in close collaboration with the various housing case managers on the team, and may also be asked to assist with client transportation to medical appointments as well.

Please attach a resume and cover letter when applying.

Schedule and compensation: This is a full-time, 40 hours a week, non-exempt position with hourly $24.15 compensation.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's level degree, related degree with equivalent experience in the field

• Experience in homeless services or related field

• Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, required for providing transportation for individuals, claiming mileage, or driving on behalf of the company.

Requirements:

• Two or more years of experience in a health care or social services area of practice.

• Ability to be empathetic and to speak comfortably with individuals from all walks of life.

• Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention/management skills.

• Understanding of and commitment to Homeward Bound’s mission and philosophy of service delivery.

• Prior experience with people experiencing homelessness and/or people with behavioral health needs is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Connect Veterans to VA health care benefits or community health care services where Veterans are not eligible for VA care

• Serve as a resource for education and support for Veterans and families and helps identify appropriate and credible resources

• Act as a liaison between the Veteran and the VA or community medical clinic

• Assist with Veterans situation and potential barriers to care

• Support Veteran with maintaining health related appointments

• Work closely with the Veteran’s primary care provider and members of the Veteran’s assigned treatment team

• Provide timely, appropriate, Veteran centered care equitably

• Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the resources and referrals provided and make appropriate modifications

• Monitor Veteran’s progress, maintain comprehensive documentation, and provide information to treatment team members when appropriate

• Assist Veterans in identifying concerns or questions about their treatment or medications

• Help Veterans and their families develop the skills to independently manage their health and wellness when appropriate to do so

• Assist in developing procedures and practice guidelines related to the program

• Communicate with program staff regularly about residents’ health plans

• Safely intervene in on-site crises

• Call emergency services as necessary and appropriate and coordinate with emergency responders

• Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents at all times to ensure their safety and yours

• Attend weekly team meetings and other specified meetings/trainings as required

• Operate proficiently a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier

• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with clients, staff and other service agencies and the community

**This job description does not list all job duties. Occasionally, the Veteran Services Housing Director might request that you perform other reasonable duties in order to most effectively meet the needs of staff and clients.

Homeward Bound bases its human resource decisions on objective criteria without regard to any characteristic or condition protected by law. We are committed to a workplace that offers equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, genetic information/medical history, military/veteran status, or any characteristic or condition protected by law, but not specifically mentioned here.

Full Time Benefits Offered:

Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Medical: 100% employer-paid MedCost plan, including 100% mental health & lab coverage
• MercyMe Urgent Care: Employer-paid family membership (up to 4)
• Dental: 100% employer-paid Delta Dental
• Vision: Community Eye Care
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Vacation: 4 weeks paid vacation in your first year, increasing with tenure
• Sick Leave: 96 hours annually with unlimited rollover
• Life & Long-Term Disability: 100% employer-paid
• 401(k): Contribute from Day 1; employer match after 1 year
• Short-Term Disability, Accident & Critical Care coverage available
• Hybrid Work: 1 remote day per week
• Company-provided cell phone
• Medical & Dependent Care FSA
• YMCA membership discount
• YMCA Market: Locally sourced groceries subsidized 50% by Homeward Bound
• BenefitMe employee shopping program
• BeneMoney loans up to $5,000 after 1 year
• Employer-paid CPR/AED/First Aid certification
2026 mployer Top Employee Benefits Award Recipient