Community Resource Navigator

About the Role

The Community Resource Navigator provides state public benefits assistance and referrals to clients across the Houston Food Bank’s 18-county service area. This includes traveling to social service agencies, Houston Food Bank sites, and community events, as well as assisting clients over the phone and virtually. Benefits programs include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). The role involves assessing applications, handling client documentation, collecting information, entering data, and delivering excellent customer service while adhering to PACT values: Purpose, Accountability, Courage, and Transparency.

Responsibilities

• Provide application assistance for public state benefit programs via the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) online application or paper applications at field sites.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance by safeguarding clients’ information.
• Accurately enter client data and collect, verify, and scan required documents into the eligibility database according to policies and procedures.
• Assist clients in gathering required documentation and provide guidance on additional documentation requests.
• Comply with departmental, HFB, Feeding Texas, and State of Texas-HHSC reports and timelines.
• Meet all contractual requirements and deliverables per the State Plan.
• Educate clients on program benefits through approved communication methods (in person, phone, virtually, or mail).
• Submit timely and accurate daily client information on required reporting platforms.
• Ensure the security of all issued equipment and supplies (laptops, cellular phones, portable scanners, etc.).
• Attend meetings, presentations, training, and activities as required and on time.
• Participate in a minimum of weekly outreach events, which may include weekends and after-hours activities (community events, food distributions, presentations, tabling, etc.).
• Develop and distribute educational materials to community-based organizations, social services agencies, and partner agencies with permission.
• Increase community awareness through education on program and policy requirements.
• Connect clients to the referral partner program.
• Assist with training new staff through observation and daily process review.
• Drive and operate a SNAP vehicle for outreach events.
• Support disaster recovery duties as needed (e.g., natural disasters).

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, plus 2 years of related case management services to clients. A Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field (e.g., Social Work, Social Sciences) may substitute for experience.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification preferred.
• Experience in a social service agency preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check administered by the Houston Food Bank and HHSC.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to learn new software systems.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, multiplication).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Strong ethical character and ability to work with a diverse population.
• Strong customer service skills and willingness to assist others.
• Ability to work cooperatively and coordinate with coworkers and other departments.
• Strong time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to change and work on multiple projects in a high-energy, fast-paced environment while adhering to deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Daily analysis and interpretation of data, communication, and standing or stationary positions for significant portions of the workday.
• Regular movement around the office and facility, including use of hands, wrists, and fingers for typing and writing.
• Frequent lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional driving of a SNAP vehicle.
• Average hearing ability to detect horns, warnings, and alerts in a warehouse environment.
• Frequent travel to other sites for business.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in an enclosed office environment, with occasional exposure to wet/humid conditions, strong food-related smells, and outside weather.
• Noise levels are typically quiet in the office but may include loud/elevated noises at different agencies.

Travel

Travel is required for this position, up to 75% of the time within the 18-county service area. The role may require flexibility to support Houston Food Bank operations during disasters, community events, or company events.

Pay

Starting pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour.