Coach II - Benefits Assister

Description

Job Title: Coach II - Benefits Assister

Department: Economic and Community Based Services  

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours/Weeks: Full-Time, Temporary (9/1/2026 - 6/30/2027)

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): No

Level: 2

Hiring Range: $21.00 - $25.10

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Coaches at NEKCA work within their area of specialty to support our participants through a human-centered, strength-based approach in identifying and setting goals for themselves and/or their families. Through compassion and relationship-building, Coaches are responsible with program intake, service delivery, and data collection. Furthermore, Coaches work on a state-wide level with peers from other agencies to uphold grant programming in a holistic way.

This position is a Benefits Assistance Coach (II) in the Economic and Community Based Services Department which primarily assists and advocates for low-income individuals and families seeking assistance with basic needs, and connection to programs, services and resources. This position will coach clients in considering their eligibility, and provide assistance applying for various NEKCA, federal, state, and community programs and services. They will also provide education and enrollment assistance to individuals and families through the Department of Vermont Health Access.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with families to develop healthy and positive outcomes in all aspects family development.

• Support families in navigating wrap around services as needed

• Develop and implement programmatic work plan in collaboration with the Economic Access Manager

• Ensure reporting requirements are in compliance with grant documents

• Develop proposals for funding, using supportive data in coordination with Economic Access Manager

• Use Go-Engage to track participants' progress and assess programmatic utilization

• Provide expert feedback to Economic Equity Access about the progress, flow, successes, barriers of the program

• Prioritize work effectively, including, at a minimum, providing quality services, completing paperwork to meet deadlines and comply with program/grant requirements

• Market program to ensure public awareness; develop and update program marketing and outreach plan; utilize social media and NEKCA Communications Department for programmatic outreach

• Oversee recruitment and enrollment of participants in the program

• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance

• Recruit, schedule and train volunteers for program needs

• Design oversee and facilitate access to trainings, coaching, and services for participants

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtain and maintain Benefit Assistor certification through the Department of Vermont Health Access. 

• Provide education, enrollment assistance, and health insurance navigation for Medicaid to NEKCA clients.

• Provide education, application assistance and conduct outreach for hunger relief programs such as 3SquaresVT (SNAP), Farm to Family Coupons, and Crop Cash. 

• Advocate for clients with various agencies to apply for and access essential and supportive services and coordinate efforts with other agencies on the family’s behalf

• Be present to the household in various settings outside of the office including their home and community locations

• Travel as needed within NEKCA’s service areas to meet with clients . 

• Provide information on and assist households in accessing and applying for other services offered by NEKCA specifically the Economic Access Programs to help with credit improvement, budgeting, and asset development. 

• Cross train with the other NEKCA programs to further the integration of services for the benefit of the household 

• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, training opportunities, quality improvement initiatives, and community collaborations to strengthen services and improve participant outcomes

• Work collaboratively with VT 211, the VT Community Action Partnership, and other organizations providing Benefit Assistor services to maintain consistent data collection, reporting, and overall quality of service. 

• Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify income for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines.

• Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines

• Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)

• Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households

• Understand and follow all program guidance and policies

• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

BA (preferred)

1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

Core Competencies:

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.

• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.

• This position is considered a mandated reporter.

• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)

• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Complete all required trainings and professional development.

Core Values: 

• Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.

• Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.

• Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.

• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.

• Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.

• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.

• Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.

• Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.

• Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.

• In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.

• Be respectful and sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.

• Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background and driving records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position requires that employees possess a valid driver's license, favorable driving record results and have access to dependable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Position has occasionally bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. 

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.