Program Associate

Position Summary: 

The primary responsibility of the Program Associate is to assist patients in accessing and maintaining HSS's specialty care by providing education and advocacy related to New York State Medicaid managed care programs, as well as seeking insurance authorization for care. This includes patient education, collaboration with patients’ primary care physicians, the HSS health care team, insurance companies, and community/government services.

Specific Functions:

• Provide education and advocacy in Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) clinics to primarily low-income, chronically ill patients and their families regarding their options under Medicaid managed care.
• Provide assistance, advocacy, and intervention to patients with out-of-network insurance seeking care at the ACC.
• Proactively identify re-visit patients with out-of-network Medicaid prior to their medical visits, and request authorization for care from managed care insurance companies.
• Collaborate with the HSS health care team and staff, including doctors, nurses, social workers, registrars, and surgical schedulers, to best meet patients’ insurance-related needs.
• Make appropriate referrals to HSS programs and services, such as the Financial Assistance Program and Social Work, and community-based agencies, such as New York State of Health Insurance Marketplace and NYC Human Resources Administration.
• Collect program data, including documentation of patient contacts and interventions.
• Assist in developing public insurance-related education materials for patients and staff.
• Serve as an active participant in Social Work Programs Department, committees, and job-related meetings.
• Participate in special projects and additional duties as needed, including activities related to departmental and Hospital Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.  

Qualifications:

Applicants must have exceptional interpersonal skills and be highly committed to providing access to, and equity in, patient care, excellent patient education, and advocacy, and close team collaboration. Passion for the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, consistent with our Department’s and Hospital’s mission, is essential.

Must be able to work independently after orientation, with an Associate’s or preferably a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of healthcare-related experience, especially public insurance. Interest in opportunities for growth and development is encouraged in a fast-paced, but supportive environment. Computer literacy, proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications, familiarity with electronic medical records, focus on detail and excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills are required. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.