Health Counselor

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment, opportunities for individuals with conviction histories, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Through the New York State Department of Health, CSS runs the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN), the statewide Ombudsprogram for people with Medicaid who need long-term care or behavioral health services. For more information, see http://icannys.org.

CSS seeks to hire a Health Counselor to provide information, education, advice, navigational services and appeal representation to beneficiaries on how to enroll into health plans and successfully utilize health insurance and/or care.

Job Description:

• Provide information, education, advice, navigational services and appeal representation to beneficiaries on how to enroll into health plans and successfully utilize health insurance and/or care.
• Respond to live calls on the Helpline.
• Promptly call back individuals who have left voicemails on the helpline or who have been referred through other channels and update the database accordingly.
• Communicate with ICAN website users through the live chat system.
• Under the supervision of the Program Director, provide information, advice, referral and advocacy to callers.
• Conduct research as needed on health insurance policy, benefits, laws and other health consumer rights and responsibilities.
• Provide trainings and presentations to beneficiaries, advocates and others, as needed.
• Prepare training materials and fact sheets as needed.
• Maintain thorough case records of services provided, advice, appeals and/or referrals.
• Help identify systemic trends or practices that adversely affect clients and work closely with senior CSS staff and other appropriate stake holders.
• Other responsibilities identified by Supervisor. 

Job Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish required.
• Experience working with older adults and people with disabilities strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills required.
• Ability to type and write clearly, concisely, persuasively and keep detailed notes of all communications.
• Research and data-based management skills required.
• Intermediate proficiency in computer applications (including Outlook and Microsoft Office) and websites required (we use a web-based secure case management database on the Salesforce platform)
• Prior experience working with consumers on health insurance issues
• Experience with and understanding of New York’s Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) system, including eligibility for MLTC enrollment and home care services.
• Ability to provide information in a fair and impartial manner which is culturally and linguistically appropriate, and disability accessible, for the consumers, including individuals with limited English proficiency.
• Ability to project patience, competence, and care for other people's welfare through oral and written communications.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Salary and Benefits: This position is union represented by local 1199 SEIU with an annual salary of $75,200.00 and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage provided by 1199. Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefit package including life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefit plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.

CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per work remote work.

Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefit package including life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefit plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.