Social Care Network Screener/Navigator in Middletown, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Social Care Network Screener/Navigator

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Middletown Program Manager

Base Location: Middletown

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Pay Rate: $21.35/hr

About Independent Living, Inc.

Since 1987, Independent Living Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in the Hudson Valley, of New York. Following the traditional independent living (IL) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities and use personal, lived experience to support others in the community – turning perceived deficits into assets.

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Work alongside passionate professionals committed to improving health equity and access to community-based supports
• Help connect individuals and families to critical health-related social services that improve overall well-being and independence

About the Role

The Social Care Network Screener/Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals with health-related social needs by conducting screenings, assessing eligibility for services, and connecting participants to community-based supports through the Social Care Network (SCN).

This position works directly with Medicaid populations in hospital and community settings to identify barriers impacting health and well-being and ensure individuals are connected to appropriate services and resources. The Screener/Navigator serves as a compassionate advocate and resource connector while maintaining accurate documentation and collaborating closely with internal and external partners to enhance service delivery and participant outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct Initial Screening, Benefits Eligibility Assessment and Contracted Services.
• Monitor Email regularly for UniteUs alerts from UniteUs and/or Program Manager.
• Accept referrals on the UniteUs Platform and complete the Outreaches.
• Conduct outreach to Medicaid populations residing in the SCN’s region and utilize a standardized screening tool to assess their health-related social needs.
• Conduct Screenings, Navigation and Contracted Services from the Emergency Department at St. Lukes Montefiore in Newburgh on a rotating basis 2-3 days a week and in other community settings as needed.
• Assess client eligibility for a range of services and refer to appropriate community-based social supports.
• Leverage your social services experience and expertise to determine the most suitable resources and service providers for clients based on their needs, eligibility and preferences.
• Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the range of services (including eligibility criteria) available in both the SCN and existing local social services infrastructure.
• Follow-up with clients to confirm health-related social needs have been addressed.
• Carefully document outreach, screening, and referrals in the SCN data platform and Foothold.
• Work closely with Program Manager to support the development and revising screening and navigation workflows and implementing process improvements that enhance SCN effectiveness.
• Identify and prepare monthly participant success stories to demonstrate SCN impact and promote the network.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by the SCN network and/or agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to support program operations

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Must complete approved HVCC screening and Navigating training programs within the first week of employment.
• Must successfully complete all required hospital onboarding requirements, including medical clearances, trainings, and any additional compliance requirements necessary to provide services within hospital settings
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and ILI and other disability related services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse populations
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to navigate electronic platforms and databases
• Must possess an unrestricted valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Experience working within social services, healthcare navigation, care coordination, or community outreach programs
• Familiarity with UniteUs, Foothold, or similar case management and referral systems
• Knowledge of Medicaid populations and health-related social needs initiatives
• Experience working in hospital, community-based, or human services settings
• Ability to build strong relationships with community providers and service partners

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Timely completion of participant outreach, screenings, and referrals
• Accurate and thorough documentation within required systems and databases
• Effective connection of participants to appropriate community resources and supports
• Strong collaboration with program staff, hospital partners, and community agencies
• Positive participant engagement and follow-up outcomes
• Consistent adherence to program workflows, reporting requirements, and service standards

What We Will Provide to You

• A mission-driven and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to lead and influence organizational technology strategy
• Collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams
• Opportunities to build meaningful relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and social service networks while expanding your professional experience in care coordination and community outreach
• Professional growth opportunities through hands-on experience in health navigation, social care coordination, and training related to health equity, community resources, and participant advocacy

Benefits available to you include

• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/