Description

About NJHA

The New Jersey Hospital Association is a not-for-profit trade organization committed to delivering support and services to the state’s hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers. We share a collective goal of providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare to the people of the Garden State.

Objective

Conducts the day-to-day operations of projects that address the healthcare needs of New Jerseyans, with an emphasis on community-based factors that impact access to care and/or a special focus on veterans and military families. Using Health COACH, Mental Health First Aid, and other models, provides outreach, screening for mental/behavioral health and social service needs, education, patient empowerment, care coordination, and referrals at the consumer level. Serves as co-instructor for Mental Health First Aid trainings to community-based professionals.

Essential job functions

• Participates in relevant trainings (in-person or virtual) such as Health COACH, Mental Health First Aid, Lifestyle Coach, diabetes education, Veteran Service, and federal/state application counselor. Successfully passes any follow-up exams and certification requirements.
• Maintains expertise in health coaching, care coordination, program eligibility and enrollment specifications.
• Assists with marketing Mental Health First Aid trainings.
• Conducts/co-hosts Mental Health First Aid trainings as assigned.
• Gathers information about local resources that support health and wellness (e.g., healthy food choices, exercise, support services, etc.)
• Establishes partnerships and referral processes, as appropriate, with area hospitals, FQHCs and other community-based providers, social service agencies, community organizations, veterans’ groups, etc.
• Conducts and/or participates in public education activities (e.g., health/enrollment fairs) to raise awareness about the availability of assistance, the importance of accessing appropriate care, and consumer options for health insurance coverage. Educates patients/consumers on healthy behaviors (e.g., diet, exercise, medication adherence).
• Identifies patients/consumers with unmet needs and barriers related to utilization of regular sources of care, unmet mental/behavioral health needs, self-management of chronic conditions and/or are at high risk of inappropriate/unnecessary hospital admissions, ED visits, and potentially preventable readmissions.
• As needed, makes immediate referrals for mental/behavioral health services, and supports patient intake, if requested. May also make referrals and/or assists with accessing additional health/wellness support needed (e.g., food banks, chronic disease management, YMCA/YWCA). When necessary, makes referrals and/or facilitates enrollment of eligible individuals in other social services assistance programs.
• Takes referrals from hospitals, as appropriate, for post-discharge follow-up. Ensures post-discharge patients make follow-up appointments with a primary care provider and have access to transportation.
• Establishes trust with referred and identified patients/consumers in order to utilize the Health COACH model to promote patient activation and engagement in their own care.
• Provides information and services in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population being served. Ensures information is provided in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner, and acts in the best interest of the consumers assisted. 
• Obtains consumer authorization for the disclosure of information prior to helping with submitting an insurance or other social service application. Complies with Marketplace privacy and security standards adopted consistent with 45 CFR 155.260 and applicable authentication and data security standards. Complies with applicable state and federal laws related to application counselors, including but not limited to laws related to conflicts of interest.
• Discloses to NJHA and potential applicants any relationships with Marketplace qualified health plans or insurance affordability programs, or other potential conflicts of interest.
• Abides by the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Non-essential functions

• May provide support and assistance to other members of HRET.
• Assists uninsured individuals with applying for coverage in NJ FamilyCare or a Marketplace qualified health plan.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

Honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military preferred. College degree or equivalent training/experience preferred. Certification as instructor of Mental Health First Aid preferred. Applicants bilingual in English and Spanish (or other language prominent in region to be served) preferred. Experience in healthcare, counseling, or a background in psychology/social work/mental health, preferred. Ability to demonstrate creative problem-solving, organizational skills, and peer education skills. Must have reliable source of transportation for daily travel. Individual should not pose a threat to the health or safety of self or others.

NJHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a veteran, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws.