Health Care Advocate

Center for Health Care Rights (CHCR) is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people understand, access, and use their health coverage; empowering older adults and people with disabilities to access the health care and benefits they need to live with dignity and independence. As the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provider for Los Angeles City and County, CHCR is the primary source of free, unbiased Medicare information and assistance for local beneficiaries.

CHCR works with individuals, families, and caregivers to navigate Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other related health benefits. We help people understand their coverage, enroll in programs that lower health care costs, make informed health care decisions, and resolve problems related to coverage or access to care. Our services include one-on-one counseling and education, enrollment assistance, community education and outreach through presentations and workshops, and legal assistance for more complex cases. All services are provided at no cost.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Health Care Advocate counsels Medicare beneficiaries and those individuals soon to be eligible for Medicare benefits, provides information, and advocates on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities, and may conduct community outreach and education. Activities are related to the following objectives:

• Assist Medicare beneficiaries with questions about health benefits, health claims and insurance problems through direct counseling and informal advocacy
• Support the independence of people making choices that affect their health and financial well-being
• Inform the public and interested parties about the challenges associated with Medicare and related health insurance plans and products

Training will be provided on Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other health care topics to enable the Health Care Advocate to become a registered Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy (HICAP) Counselor.

Specific Duties:

• Counseling – Provides individual counseling and informational services to Medicare beneficiaries regarding Medicare insurance options, eligibility for financial assistance programs to help with Medicare costs, billing problems, and other related topics
• Advocacy – Assists individuals as appropriate, to ensure that clients’ rights and privileges under Medicare are upheld, makes appropriate referrals to legal services and/or other agencies, and offers other referrals and/or interventions as needed and appropriate
• Record-keeping – Maintains accurate database records on all client contacts and services
• Community outreach and education – May attend outreach events or conduct presentations to community groups regarding Medicare and related insurance coverage
• Program publicity and promotion – Provides information regarding Center for Health Care Rights services, including volunteer opportunities, to community groups, senior centers, senior lunch sites, etc.
• Collaboration and Communication – Demonstrates a collaborative and respectful approach to working with colleagues, contributing to a positive, team-oriented work environment
• Attendance and Punctuality – Maintains regular and reliable attendance, adhering to assigned work schedule and punctuality standards
• Special Projects – Work on special projects as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year college degree in the social sciences or related field is required (educational requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer in light of significant experience in the field)
• Three or more years providing services in a social services or health care organization or related experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, detail orientation, and professionalism
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of older adults and/or people with disabilities
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and the capability to learn new software
• Applicants who are bilingual in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, or Armenian are encouraged to apply

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment. The role regularly involves use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment, as well as reviewing and preparing written and electronic information. The employee may occasionally need to move or transport office materials weighing up to approximately 10 pounds and travel locally to pick up or deliver materials, if applicable. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Salary and Benefits: This is a salaried exempt position with a starting salary of $70,304 per year. We provide 100% paid health and dental benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance program; generous paid time off including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; and offer optional, employee paid supplemental insurance and 403b plan. Potential for flexible work schedule after training and counselor registration that meets organizational and client needs. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.

The expectation is that this role will be hybrid, involving both remote and in-person work, with in-person work required as determined by the organization. Training leading to registration as a HICAP counselor will primarily take place in person at our office (located in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles) and at counseling sites throughout Los Angeles County. Applicants considered for hire must pass a background check and all employees are subject to an annual background check.

Center for Health Care Rights, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and access. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all people and do not discriminate based on race, ancestry or national origin; color; sex; sexual orientation; religion; physical disability; marital status; or age. This job announcement is designed to provide a general overview of the job’s requirements. It does not entail a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required in this position.

Please apply at: https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/center-for-health-care-rights-health-care-advocate-9cc55829-0d8a-43f3-98ac-305d5fc0fe7b

We provide 100% paid health and dental benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance program; generous paid time off including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; and offer optional, employee paid supplemental insurance and 403b plan. Potential for flexible work schedule after training and counselor registration that meets organizational and client needs. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.

Applicants who are bilingual in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, or Armenian are encouraged to apply