Health and Public Benefits Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview:

The Health and Public Benefits Specialist supports IRC clients in building stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term integration into the community by accessing community resources. The specialist assists individuals and families in navigating public benefit programs (i.e. cash, food, health, and childcare) and also assists clients to access and effectively utilize health care services. This position provides hands-on support for benefit applications, health system navigation, and client coaching that promotes independence. The specialist works closely with colleagues across IRC programs, external partners, and county and health agencies to ensure clients have the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Public Benefits Navigation 

• Screen clients for eligibility and assist with applications for public benefits including but not limited to TANF, SNAP, CCAP, Medicaid, WIC etc.
• Support clients with renewals, interviews, and troubleshooting benefit access. 
• Coach clients on using benefit systems independently, including EBT and childcare processes. 
• Track and report required work activity hours for TANF cases. 

Health Navigation 

• Assist clients in accessing initial health screenings, primary care, specialty care, and preventive services. 
• Provide health orientations, individualized coaching, and home visits to build health system literacy. 
• Support client transportation needs through direct transport, Medicaid ride scheduling, or bus route orientation. 
• Develop and share accessible, culturally appropriate health education materials. 

Integration & Client Self-Sufficiency 

• Build rapport and provide coaching that equips clients to manage health and benefits systems independently. 
• Promote gender equity and wellness in access to services. 
• Connect clients with community resources that support long-term stability. 

Administration & Partnerships 

• Detail each client interaction in accordance with established requirements. Input client information into databases and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with county offices, health providers, interpreters, and community agencies. 
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and partner convenings as required. 
• Other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to front desk support, assistance with other direct service teams or tasks, etc.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Position Reports to: Health and Public Benefits Supervisor 

Position Directly Supervises: N/A, may provide some supervision of interns and volunteers assigned to assist clients with health and public benefits 

Job Requirements:

Education: Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in human services field, health navigation, or nonprofit program required; minimum of 2 years of experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with immigrant and refugee populations preferred; lived experience valued.
• Knowledge of Colorado and/or U.S. public benefits and health systems 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 language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle is required.

Working Environment:

• Standard office environment.
• May require occasional weekend, early morning and/or evening work.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $24.00-$25.00) 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.