Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Navigator of the CHAMP Program is the initial point of contact for individuals contacted via outreach events and subsequently seeking benefits assistance, either advocacy and/or help applying for general health insurance and/or health insurance and other benefits specific to individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Navigator, CHAMP Program additionally provides information, education and/or assistance in enrolling in food stamps, and information and assistance accessing services provided by CHASI and Sun River Health, and services outside of CHASI’s continuum of care. Flexibility with scheduling will be required, such as when the agency participates in community events.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in training provided by the project’s funder regarding benefits specific to persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders; through the funder’s ongoing dissemination of any policy changes, maintain expertise regarding these benefits on an ongoing basis.  
• Develop and maintain relationships with local community providers and groups serving persons with mental illness and substance use disorders. Schedule outreach events with them and conduct presentations regarding eligibility criteria and the rights and responsibilities of persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Provide CHAMP services to clients seeking individualized assistance at a target minimum of 20-30 cases during a 12-month period.
• Seek out and respond to inquiries regarding individuals needing assistance accessing and maintaining services provided to persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Assist individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their significant others, who experience difficulties accessing and maintaining such services. This includes assistance applying for and maintaining benefits, and advocacy in utilizing benefits toward successful access and maintenance in services.  
• Work in collaboration with CHASI’s Benefits Supervisor; mutually schedule and conduct outreach presentations and benefits assistance services. 
• Identify and submit to CSS, pursuant to a protocol approved by CSS and OASAS, at least one client story by the end of the second quarter and one client story by the end of the third quarter about a client who benefited from CHAMP services and is willing to share their story with the public.
• Collaborate with legal and other providers serving persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. As needed, access their assistance for help in advocating for persons with complicated benefits situations.  
• Ensure that other CHASI workers become knowledgeable about the CHAMP Program mission and services. This includes providing and updating program literature to all CHASI service sites, including the Sun River FQHC and Addiction Treatment Programs/sites on Staten Island.  
• Submit program documentation into funder-required database. Submit programs reports as needed to CHASI supervisor, department head and senior staff as needed.
• Conduct CHAMP Outreach pursuant to an OASAS-approved Outreach Plan at target minimum baseline of 10-15 presentations during the twelve-month period.
• Prepare reports and documentation as needed for planning, quality assurance and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend trainings and conduct online research to remain up-to-date on relevant issues. This includes all monthly webinars and other periodic trainings as directed by CSS.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in public health, social work, or related field.  
• Demonstrated ability and/or commitment to working effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds, with sensitivity to ethnic, cultural and sexual minorities.  
• Conversant with harm reduction and trauma-informed practices, philosophy and interventions.
• Excellent attention to detail. 
• Ability to direct services and work consistent with the goals and objectives of the programs. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational and computer skills necessary.  
• A team player with an ability to work in diverse teams with shared responsibility and accountability; ability to contribute to a positive, productive, open, and supportive environment that motivates everyone to perform at their best. 
• 2 years’ experience in a human services or related field preferred.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish required.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of the job it is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all the job functions.

Location: 2134 Richmond terrace, Staten Island, NY

Position Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay & Benefits: $41,600- $46,600 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. 

Additionally, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• generous paid time off (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, and sick time)
• medical
• dental
• vision
• supplemental benefits including employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs
• tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment
• retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more! 

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.