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Healthcare and Benefits Navigator

New York City

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Human Resources
  • Closing Date: Closed

Job Overview:

The Healthcare and Benefits Navigator is responsible for coordinating, enrolling and advising clients on available and eligible public benefits and social services.  This role supports IRC in NY clients with their access to medical care, healthcare services and referrals for IRC clients to ensure their medical and mental health needs are promptly identified and treated. The Healthcare and Benefits Navigator will ensure clients are able to establish a medical home for ongoing care. This role will report to the Health & Wellness Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Screen, counsel, and support clients to enroll in social services in New York City. This may include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, SNAP, WIC, TANF, or other relevant or eligible benefits.
  • Ensure any urgent medication needs are resolved and that clients know how to fill and refill prescriptions at an accessible pharmacy. 
  • Assist clients to obtain affordable prescription eyeglasses if needed.
  • Ensure compliance with both case file management and reporting requirements. This entails regular and timely maintenance of hard-copy and/or electronic files per donor funding requirements. Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
  • Assist clients with the selection of a primary care physician (PCP) and help schedule initial appointments once the selection has been made, ensuring each client can independently schedule their own appointments.
  • Assist clients in resolving barriers to accessing medical and mental health services, including transportation, language access, and financial barriers.
  • Oversee the coordination of medical schedules by working with clinical staff at medical facilities and a volunteer pool to ensure refugee health screenings are scheduled and coordinated with the direct service team and to troubleshoot any issues that arise.
  • Assist clients to resolve any issues that arise concerning billing for medical services and coordination between Medicaid or other insurance plan and health providers.
  • Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency, placing importance on client confidentiality.
  • Refer clients to any other services that may be eligible for or interested in receiving internally at IRC and externally with partnering organizations.
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.


Work Experience:

  • Familiarity with U.S. healthcare system and federally-funded healthcare programs strongly preferred.
  • Relevant professional experience in human services field required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
  • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
  • Fluent in English, both spoken and written; Proficiency in IRC client language preferred (Spanish, French, Arabic, Ukrainian, Wolof, Urdu, Pashto, Dari)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.

Working Environment:

  • A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
  • May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.


COVID-19 Vaccination RequirementIn accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).


Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 


Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.


US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits.  In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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This vacancy is now closed.
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