Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Disability Benefits Navigator is an advocate for clients in the application process for benefits under the Social Services Administration Social Security Insurance (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. The primary responsibility for this position is to ensure that all patients who are eligible for alternate resources are identified, contacted and assisted with applying for and maintaining eligibility for available benefits. The Navigator will work with all applicable State and Federal systems to apply for coverage and works one-on-one to provide screening for eligibility, recommendations for alternate resources and to provide outreach and education to the community regarding the program.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

1. Meet with clients and provide one-on-one assistance to clients on-site at the Muckleshoot Health & Wellness Center.
2. Work with other staff and contractors on applications from initiation to completion.
3. Work with clients on follow-up information needed.
4. Develop an electronic system (i.e. spreadsheet or database) to track all applications and input notes on progress of applications as well as requests for information from clients.
5. Follow up to ensure deadlines are not missed and to ensure documentation requirements have been met.
6. Keep up to date, and educate clients and staff on all regulatory changes.
7. Maintain program statistics such as number of successful enrollments, number of denials and overall assistance of clients with obtaining benefits for monthly and quarterly program reporting purposes.
8. Follow HIPAA compliance and other applicable confidentiality rules and laws to maintain client confidentiality at all times.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
10. Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Required:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Services or related field. • Five (5) years as a social worker in a public or private social service agency is required.

Special Requirements:

• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and be insurable under the tribe’s auto insurance policy for use of company vehicles. • Must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Knowledge of:

General office practices; computer software (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, Publisher).

Skilled In / Ability to:

Customer service and behavior that is courteous, respectful, helpful and resourceful; demonstrate and encourage a positive attitude and approach when dealing with clients; understand, apply and communicate to others the rules, regulations and guidelines prepared by local, state and federal agencies relating to assigned programs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of governmental agencies, co-workers, and the general public; demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; analyze and interpret data; problem solve; manage time effectively; maintain confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this class. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk, walk, stand, hear and observe; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to drive a motor vehicle and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Depending on location, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Licenses or Certifications Required

A current and valid WA state driver’s license.

Company Description

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe whose membership is composed of descendants of the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup people who inhabited Central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement. The Tribe’s name is derived from the native name for the prairie on which the Muckleshoot Reservation was established. Following the Reservation’s establishment in 1857, the Tribe and its members came to be known as Muckleshoot, rather than by the historic tribal names of their Duwamish and Upper Puyallup ancestors. Today, the United States recognizes the Muckleshoot Tribe as a tribal successor to the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup bands from which the Tribe’s membership descends.