Wellness Navigator

Who We Are

COPAL, Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action, is a member-based organization established in 2018 to improve the quality of life of Latine families. Grounded in the Principles of Jemez, COPAL is committed to continue building meaningful relationships that transcend both identity and geographical boundaries. COPAL envisions a Minnesota where everyone lives with dignity and respect.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Our greatest asset is the dedication and commitment of our board, staff, members, and interns, as well as our valued volunteers, partners, coalition members, and leaders of the Latine community. With a clear mission and vision of a better future for all, we can mobilize people to bring about transformation and lead social, political, and economic change.

Wages

$23.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 9 paid holidays per year, plus 2 floating holidays
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and options for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Long-term disability insurance - the employer pays the premiums
• Employer-paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee
• Voluntary benefits: Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, short-term disability insurance
• COPAL sponsors a retirement plan with 6% employer contribution after 90 days of service and immediate vesting

Because COPAL is a member with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) who partners with St. Mary's University, COPAL employees and their spouses are also eligible for the following benefits at St. Mary's University:

• Discounted tuition for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)

Job Summary

COPAL is hiring a Wellness Navigator at their Mankato location to support community members by connecting them to essential services and resources - while honoring their lived experiences, culture, and autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Conducting intakes in person, by phone, or virtually, while prioritizing accessibility and choice.
• Maintaining records and required documentation accurately and confidentially.
• Assessing needs, goals, and strengths to identify appropriate local resources and support options.
• Connecting individuals with community partners, agencies, and programs, including housing, healthcare, food access, legal support, and education.
• Providing hands-on assistance with applications and documentation for services and benefits, as requested.
• Offering follow-up support to promote successful connections, continuity of care, and meaningful outcomes.
• Delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based support that honors lived experience and self-determination.
• Working alongside COPAL's navigator to triage needs, support service navigation, and coordinate appropriate solutions.
• Building and sustaining strong, collaborative relationships with local service providers, community-based organizations, public agencies, and local businesses.
• Coordinating and facilitating presentations that share information about COPAL's programs, services, and community impact.
• Participating in outreach events and community activities to strengthen visibility, trust, and community connection.
• Contributing to data collection and reporting that supports collaboration, planning, continuous improvement, and equitable resource allocation.
• Documenting services provided, referrals, outcomes, and exit information accurately and consistently.
• Maintaining organized, timely, and confidential case notes and data records.
• Providing administrative and clerical support to the South-Central Initiative Office to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Welcoming and engaging participants, community members, and COPAL partners visiting the office in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Supporting core office functions, including preparing correspondence, monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, and assisting with additional tasks as needed.
• Building proficiency in COPAL's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and technology tools relevant to the role.

Who You Are

• You have a high school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree or relevant experience is preferred.
• You have experience in social services, community outreach, case management, or nonprofit work, preferably.
• You are bilingual in Spanish and English.
• You have experience working with diverse populations.
• You understand, or are committed to learning about, progressive theories of race, gender, class, and intersectionality and applying these frameworks to support equitable and inclusive engagement across diverse communities.
• You have experience facilitating groups.
• You have the ability to accurately complete forms and manage basic documentation.
• It is preferred if you have previous knowledge of Southern Minnesota community resources.
• You are skilled in conflict resolution.
• You demonstrate the ability to plan and organize community events and activities.
• You possess strong communication skills.
• You possess excellent customer service skills.
• You demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• You have the ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• You demonstrate strong computer skills, including competence in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• You demonstrate the ability to maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public and can use good judgment in recognizing the scope of your authority.
• You are able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• You are able to travel to sites within a 70-mile radius of the office.
• You have a valid driver's license, access to reliable transportation, and the ability to meet COPAL's driving record requirements. Please note that if the license was not issued in the state of Minnesota, you have 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident in which to apply for your Minnesota driver's license or permit (not applicable for new hires living out of state).

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to the work of COPAL. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone can belong. Every member of our team enriches our work by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our sector: individuals who identify as BIPOC, Indigenous or people of culture, LGBTQI+ and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status. We encourage you to apply even if you feel like you don't fit 100% of the technical requirements. Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, criminal history (justice-impacted status), housing or homelessness status, height, or weight.

Our organization has a partnership with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) to provide administrative services including management of the hiring process. If you apply for this position, you may see references to MACC in some online materials.