Community Wellness Navigator
United Way, Lakeland, FL, United States
Why Join United Way of Central Florida?
Imagine a role where your heart for people and your ability to build trust directly improve someone’s access to healthcare, stability, and essential services.
Position Overview
The Community Wellness Navigator serves as a frontline, community-facing professional who connects Polk County residents to the Polk HealthCare Plan and other essential health and social services. This role requires independent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to service, supporting residents in navigating healthcare enrollment, accessing basic needs, and understanding available community resources. Through direct service delivery, outreach, education, and collaboration, the Navigator advances community well‑being, improves access to care, and supports population-level health outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Guide eligible residents through the Polk HealthCare Plan application and enrollment process with clarity and individualized support
Provide direct navigation services connecting individuals and families to healthcare, food assistance, housing, transportation, childcare, and other social services
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all interactions, enrollments, referrals, and follow-ups within UWCF systems
Conduct proactive outreach and education throughout Polk County to increase awareness of available services
Represent UWCF at community events, enrollment fairs, and outreach activities, confidently engaging with individuals and groups
Collaborate closely with team members and community partners to strengthen referral pathways and coordination of care
Participate in team goal setting and contribute to achieving departmental benchmarks and Polk County Indigent Healthcare performance requirements
Support special initiatives and pilot efforts that enhance access to care and improve the resident experience
Assist with event setup and community-based activities, including transporting and setting up materials
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in health & human services, social work, public health, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Experience in community outreach, healthcare navigation, social services, customer service, or sales with strong public engagement required
Experience working with diverse and multicultural populations strongly preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, local health and human service resources in Polk County
Strong interpersonal and active listening skills with the ability to build trust and rapport
Excellent communication skills, both one‑on‑one and in group settings
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem‑solving abilities in fast‑paced environments
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort learning new systems; SharePoint familiarity a plus
Demonstrates professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality and ethical service delivery
Work Schedule & Environment
Full-time, hourly (non‑exempt)
Frequent travel throughout Polk County
Regular outdoor work in varying Florida weather conditions
Occasional evening or weekend outreach events
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds, including event materials and tents
Ability to walk or stand for extended periods during outreach events
Ability to push, pull, and transport equipment
Ability to lift arms overhead for event setup
Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions year‑round
Disaster Response
All UWCF employees are considered disaster response workers and may be expected to support emergency response efforts when activated, following personal and family safety.
Compensation & Benefits
This role pays $22.50/hour and includes a comprehensive benefits package with:
Health and life insurances
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement savings plan
Professional development opportunities
Inclusion at UWCF
United Way of Central Florida is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse voices strengthen our mission and culture. All employment decisions are based on merit and business need. UWCF is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates must pass a drug screening prior to employment.
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Imagine a role where your heart for people and your ability to build trust directly improve someone’s access to healthcare, stability, and essential services.
Position Overview
The Community Wellness Navigator serves as a frontline, community-facing professional who connects Polk County residents to the Polk HealthCare Plan and other essential health and social services. This role requires independent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to service, supporting residents in navigating healthcare enrollment, accessing basic needs, and understanding available community resources. Through direct service delivery, outreach, education, and collaboration, the Navigator advances community well‑being, improves access to care, and supports population-level health outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Guide eligible residents through the Polk HealthCare Plan application and enrollment process with clarity and individualized support
Provide direct navigation services connecting individuals and families to healthcare, food assistance, housing, transportation, childcare, and other social services
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all interactions, enrollments, referrals, and follow-ups within UWCF systems
Conduct proactive outreach and education throughout Polk County to increase awareness of available services
Represent UWCF at community events, enrollment fairs, and outreach activities, confidently engaging with individuals and groups
Collaborate closely with team members and community partners to strengthen referral pathways and coordination of care
Participate in team goal setting and contribute to achieving departmental benchmarks and Polk County Indigent Healthcare performance requirements
Support special initiatives and pilot efforts that enhance access to care and improve the resident experience
Assist with event setup and community-based activities, including transporting and setting up materials
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in health & human services, social work, public health, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Experience in community outreach, healthcare navigation, social services, customer service, or sales with strong public engagement required
Experience working with diverse and multicultural populations strongly preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, local health and human service resources in Polk County
Strong interpersonal and active listening skills with the ability to build trust and rapport
Excellent communication skills, both one‑on‑one and in group settings
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem‑solving abilities in fast‑paced environments
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort learning new systems; SharePoint familiarity a plus
Demonstrates professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality and ethical service delivery
Work Schedule & Environment
Full-time, hourly (non‑exempt)
Frequent travel throughout Polk County
Regular outdoor work in varying Florida weather conditions
Occasional evening or weekend outreach events
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds, including event materials and tents
Ability to walk or stand for extended periods during outreach events
Ability to push, pull, and transport equipment
Ability to lift arms overhead for event setup
Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions year‑round
Disaster Response
All UWCF employees are considered disaster response workers and may be expected to support emergency response efforts when activated, following personal and family safety.
Compensation & Benefits
This role pays $22.50/hour and includes a comprehensive benefits package with:
Health and life insurances
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement savings plan
Professional development opportunities
Inclusion at UWCF
United Way of Central Florida is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse voices strengthen our mission and culture. All employment decisions are based on merit and business need. UWCF is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates must pass a drug screening prior to employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr