Northwest Hills Council of Governments-Community Health Navigator-Litchfield

Position Summary:
The Community Health Navigator serves as a trusted, community-based resource who helps individuals and families throughout the Northwest Hills Planning Region overcome health, social, and economic barriers. By connecting residents with community resources, social services, and public benefit programs, the Navigator improves access to essential services, supports care coordination, and empowers individuals to achieve greater health, stability, and well-being.
This role emphasizes relationship-building, outreach, and care coordination, with a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing rural populations, including older adults, low-income households, people with chronic conditions, and individuals with limited access to services.

Essential Job Functions:

Community Outreach & Engagement
• Build trusting relationships with residents through in-person outreach, community events, home visits (as appropriate), and partnerships with local organizations
• Serve as a visible and accessible point of contact for community members seeking help navigating health and social service systems
• Conduct outreach in libraries, senior centers, food pantries, town halls, clinics, and other community settings
Navigation & Care Coordination
• Assist individuals in accessing health care, behavioral health services, preventive care, and social supports
• Help residents understand and enroll in programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Access Health CT, SNAP, energy assistance, transportation services, and other benefits
• Identify and address barriers such as transportation, digital access, insurance literacy, and provider availability
• Make referrals and follow up to ensure successful connections to services
• Assist with accessing telehealth appointments when necessary
Resource Development & Systems Knowledge
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state, local and regional health and social service resources
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community-based providers, municipal social services, nonprofits, and other regional partners
• Identify service gaps and emerging community needs and communicate findings to supervisors and partners
• Support community-wide initiatives aimed at improving health equity and rural service delivery
Data Collection & Reporting
• Document client interactions, referrals, and outcomes in required tracking systems
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data to support program evaluation and grant reporting
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuous improvement activities

Job Qualifications/Requirements:

Required
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, human services, or related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in community outreach, case management, patient navigation, or social services
• Strong knowledge of or lived experience in rural communities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, manage a flexible schedule, and travel throughout the Northwest Corner
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred
• Familiarity with state and federal benefit programs and application procedures
• Experience working with older adults, low-income populations, or individuals with chronic conditions
• Experience with data tracking systems and basic reporting
Core Competencies
• Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Ability to translate complex systems into clear, understandable information
• Respect for confidentiality and ethical standards
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Frequent local travel, including rural and remote areas
• Combination of office, community-based, and home-visit settings
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and carry materials as needed for outreach

Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: $58,000 – $60,000 commensurate with experience.
• Excellent fringe benefit package includes medical/vision and dental (self-insured with annual reimbursement), 401a / 457 retirement plans, group term life insurance, short-term disability, two weeks’ vacation, holiday, personal and sick time, and professional development opportunities.