Training and Technical Assistance

Training for economic resource navigation will be provided by the Benefits Plus Learning Center (BPLC) at the Community Service Society of New York (CSS). The training and professional development structure for Navigators is comprehensive, iterative, and flexible, fostering a learning community among providers while ensuring a baseline of critical knowledge.

Initial Comprehensive Training

ACS, DSS, and their partners will offer training on the program model and playbook content to all participating partners before the Spring 2026 testing phase and again at the onset of full implementation at each provider CBO.

For training on economic resource navigation, BPLC will lead five weeks of training, created with input from ACS and DSS, in advance of the testing phase. The training schedule is:

  • Wednesday, March 11, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (In Person): Public Benefits & Housing
    Community Service Society, 633 3rd Ave, Manhattan. Registration required.

  • Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual): Cash Assistance

  • Wednesday, March 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual): Affordable Housing Options

  • Wednesday, March 25, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (In Person): One Shot Deal & CityFHEPs Community Service Society, 633 3rd Ave, Manhattan. Registration required.

  • Tuesday, March 31, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual): Public Health Insurance Programs

  • Wednesday, April 1, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual): SNAP

When the program officially launches after testing is complete, intensive startup training for economic resource navigation will be provided for six months. The training curriculum will build upon one created for DSS's NYCBenefits program staff, which was designed to be comprehensive, focus on client needs rather than specific benefits, and emphasize a holistic and proactive approach to service.

Recordings of the training sessions will be available to anyone in the program for ongoing reference and onboarding.

Ongoing and Coordinated Training and Technical Assistance (TA)

  • Office Hours During the Testing Phase: BPLC will hold weekly office hours during the testing phase to support staff conducting economic resource navigation in troubleshooting and working through practical challenges.

  • On-Call Support: All participating staff and organizations are invited to reach out to BPLC for ad-hoc assistance in conducting economic resource navigation. Contact BPLC at BPLC@cssny.org.

  • Recurring Needs-Based Training: Once the full program launches, training sessions will continue to be offered on a recurring basis based on specific needs that providers are currently seeing in the field.

  • Inter-Agency Coordination: ACS and DSS will actively coordinate with other city agencies to deliver specialized training, ensuring Navigators receive the most current and authoritative information across various systems.

  • ACS- and DSS-Authored Updates: ACS and DSS will provide updates on new processes, policy changes, and system updates (such as AccessHRA) not covered by TA providers. These will be provided to all organizations performing economic resource navigation. 

Learning Communities and Support

The program will create relationships and facilitate shared learning among providers.

  • Learning Channels: BPLC will create a dedicated MS Teams channel to foster learning communities and relationships across the network of CBOs.

  • Monthly Cohort Meetings: A monthly meeting will be held where all Navigators come together to network and present on relevant topics, sharing expertise and best practices.

  • Manager Office Hours: PPL will hold office hours for managers to drop in during the first four weeks to troubleshoot challenges and support implementation. After that, meetings will shift to every other week.