Outreach & Navigation Specialist

Classification: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Salary Range:  HS 01-04, ($17.96 - $19.16 - $20.27 - $21.52)

Hours and Work Weeks: 40 Hours/Week, 52 Weeks/Year

Supervisor: Outreach & Navigation Supervisor

Positions Supervised: None

Mission Statement:

EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient.

Role Overview

The Outreach & Navigation Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for individuals and families seeking support. This position helps households access resources, determine eligibility, develop goals, navigate challenges, and connect with services that support stability, resiliency, and self-sufficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Outreach & Community Engagement
  • Participate in community outreach events and activities.
  • Represent EightCAP programs and services throughout the service area.
  • Maintain knowledge of agency programs and community resources.
  • Build relationships with community partners and referral sources.
• Intake & Eligibility
  • Respond to phone calls and requests for assistance.
  • Conduct intake appointments and assessments.
  • Collect and verify required documentation.
  • Determine eligibility for assigned programs.
  • Complete applications and prepare files for approval.
  • Assist participants in understanding program requirements and next steps.
• Navigation & Case Management
  • Assess household needs, strengths, and barriers.
  • Develop participant-centered goals and action plans.
  • Provide resource navigation and referrals.
  • Conduct follow-up contacts and progress reviews.
  • Support participants in accessing services and achieving goals.
  • Coordinate services with agency programs and community partners.
• Financial Counseling & Education
  • Provide basic financial counseling and budgeting support.
  • Deliver Weatherization client education activities as assigned.
  • Support Community Health Worker and educational initiatives.
  • Promote self-sufficiency, resiliency, and informed decision-making.
• Documentation & Data Entry
  • Maintain accurate case notes and service records.
  • Complete required data entry in empowOR and other systems.
  • Ensure documentation standards are met.
  • Track participant outcomes and progress toward goals.
  • Maintain confidentiality and data security requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Our Core Values at Work

• Accountability: Takes ownership of each participant interaction from first contact through appropriate follow-up. Maintains accurate and timely documentation, follows through on commitments, and shares responsibility with teammates for ensuring requests for service are addressed.
• Communication: Listens first, asks thoughtful questions, explains services and requirements clearly, and keeps participants informed about next steps. Communicates effectively with teammates, agency programs, vendors, and community partners so participants experience EightCAP as one connected organization.
• Compassion: Treats every person with dignity and respect, particularly when they are experiencing stress or crisis. Seeks to understand the whole situation without judgment and recognizes the strengths and experiences participants bring to solving their own challenges.
• Empowerment: Works with participants rather than simply doing things for them. Help individuals identify options, set meaningful goals, build knowledge and skills, connect with resources, and strengthen their ability to navigate future challenges independently.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in human services, Social Work, Public Administration, Community Development, Business Administration, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
  • In order to be eligible for the HS04 level, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to this position.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with individuals and families in a helping profession is preferred.
• Community Health Worker Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid Michigan driver's license.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in a professional office environment and routinely uses computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. The role involves frequent interaction with employees, program participants, agency leadership, and community partners, including individuals and families who may be experiencing crisis or significant barriers. Work may also occur at other agency locations, community events, partner organizations, or participant service settings. The position requires the ability to coordinate competing priorities, adjust to changing operational needs, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and respond professionally and compassionately to sensitive or challenging situations. Occasional evening or non-traditional work hours may be required for training, outreach activities, community events, or other program needs.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel within EightCAP’s service area is required for visits to agency locations, meetings, training, outreach activities, community events, and participant or partner locations. Occasional travel outside the service area may be necessary for conferences, professional development, or other agency business. The employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, a reliable means of transportation, and automobile insurance as required when using a personal vehicle for agency business. Travel may occur in varied traffic, road, and weather conditions. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting or standing; movement throughout offices, agency facilities, and community locations; and occasional bending, reaching, stooping, or climbing stairs. The employee must be able to use a computer, keyboard, telephone, mobile device, and other standard office equipment; review written and electronic information; and communicate effectively in person and through telephone and electronic methods. The position may occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling outreach materials, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee must also be able to travel to various work locations and participate in meetings, training, outreach events, and community activities.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  

Employment At-Will Statement
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with EightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.