Social Services Navigator

Posted: October 2025

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO: rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org

Location: Buffalo

Salary Range: Starting at $50,000

Department: MedLaw Partnership of WNY

Reports To: Supervising Attorney

About CELJ:

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York. Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court. We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area. We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

Job Summary:

The Social Services Navigator plays a key role in advancing the New York State 1115 Medicaid waiver’s focus on addressing health-related social needs (HRSN). This role emphasizes conducting comprehensive HRSN assessments, connecting individuals and families to community resources, and coordinating services through Social Care Networks (SCNs). The Navigator acts as a trusted bridge between healthcare systems, social care providers, and the communities served. This role is full time.

Primary Functions:

  • Screen Medicaid members for Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) in a standardized and person-centered way using the New York State Office of Health Insurance Program (OHIP)-standardized version of the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Screening Tool

  •  Conduct Eligibility Assessments for members whose Screening identifies unmet Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) and who request support. Eligibility Assessments will determine whether the member is eligible for Enhanced Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Services (Medicaid Managed Care members only) and/or existing federal, state, and local programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, TANF

  • Navigate members appropriately, including referring eligible members to Enhanced Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Services or navigating members to existing federal, state, and local services.

  • Deliver Enhanced Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Services to eligible Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) members

  • Develop Social Care Plans that detail member Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) for eligible Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) members

  • Monitor to ensure delivery of Enhanced Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Services and subsequent referral closure

  • Develop personalized action plans based on HRSN assessment findings

  • Provide direct support to clients in accessing community resources and overcoming systemic barriers

  • Offer culturally competent education on available services and empower clients to advocate for their needs

  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of HRSN assessments, client interactions, and outcomes

  • Analyze data to identify trends, service gaps, and areas for improvement in addressing HRSN

  • Contribute to the evaluation of the SCN’s impact on health outcomes and the 1115 waiver goals

  • Build partnerships with community leaders and organizations to expand access to resources

    ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Must be comfortable working in hospital settings

  • May require some travel

  • May require client visits, which can include in-home, as needed

    QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:

  • Strong organization skills with accurate attention to detail

  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to multi- task

  • Knowledgeable and skilled in understanding and educating others on healthcare, healthcare systems, healthcare reform, pathways to care, and communication with community providers

  • Experience conducting assessments

  • Familiarity with Medicaid programs

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

  • Proficiency with electronic data systems and referral platforms.

  • Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field preferred

  • Candidate will be required to complete specific Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC) training

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Generous vacation, personal and sick time

  • Extremely generous Holiday time off in addition to 14 ½ federally recognized days

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Payment of license fees and association dues

  • Encouragement of professional development

  • PSLF eligibility

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO, rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org

CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply