Community Health Advocate/Health Insurance Navigator

Job Summary
Community Health Advocate-Insurance Navigators assist individuals to enroll in health insurance plans through the New York State Health Plan Marketplace. In addition, they help individuals and families to resolve their health insurance problems regardless of whether they are privately insured, publicly insured, or uninsured. Advocates also answer questions, provide information, and offer support on a variety of health-related issues, including the Social Care Network, so that individuals and families get the health care they need.

It is the responsibility of the employee to have reliable transportation. Chenango Health Network will provide any necessary equipment needed to perform job duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide program support directly to agency clients by identifying and acknowledging issues, problems, and/or barriers through empathetic listening. Provide support navigating health, human service and health insurance systems based on each individual’s need and request by providing information and referrals to clients; advocating on behalf of clients; contacting clients for follow-up, per established policies and procedures.
• Recordkeeping activities per established policies and procedures including, but not limited to: maintaining complete, accurate, and current client records; and maintaining a database of program activities. (Salesforce and Unite Us)
• Maintain a schedule for appointments, walk-ins, and phone calls; maintain a complete and confidential system for client-related activities; assure accurate and complete information is provided to clients; and assure appropriate client follow-up.
• Assist Clients find a primary care provider, specialist or other health care provider, obtain prior authorization for care, obtain charity care and prescription assistance, find free or medical services offered on a sliding-scale or additional coverage outside of the NYS of Health Marketplace, understand COBRA, get an exemption from Medicaid Managed Care and get an exclusion from Medicaid Managed Care
• Understand medical bills and work out payment plans with their provider(s). Resolve plan issues like rate increases or billing
• Assist clients understand their rights and responsibilities under the ACA and understand their appeal rights for denials of coverage or care
• Promote community awareness and outreach of the program, including, but not limited to dissemination of print materials and contact with community members.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of the characteristics, needs, interests and services available in Chenango County
• Working knowledge of public information and relations techniques
• Ability to interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including health care service providers, CBO representatives, community members, etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team decision making and program implementation
• Willingness to accept and adhere to agency values and standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, desktop publishing software, and Internet.
• Ability to efficiently plan, organize, and coordinate a variety of activities
• Ability to travel within Chenango County, the Southern Tier Region, and NY State as required.

Acceptable Education/Experience/Training:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or registered four year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field and one year experience in a community organization -or-
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or registered two year college or university with an Associate Degree in Human Services or related field and two years of experience in a community organization -or-
• High School education or equivalent and three years of experience in a community organization

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21