Job Description
Join those passionate about ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to quality, affordable, and equitable health coverage as a healthcare navigator!
Helping individuals, families, and pregnant persons understand and access health coverage options is the primary function of this position. This requires the willingness to be a visible presence in underserved and disconnected communities in order to build networks and relationships with key organizations and groups, including schools, child care providers, faith-based communities, food banks, health care providers, and others working with the uninsured, immigrants, individuals with lower incomes, and other who face barriers in healthcare.
We believe that everyone should have the information and personalized support they need to get covered and stay healthy. While most uninsured people are eligible for free or low cost coverage, the application process is confusing, many think they don’t qualify or have been wrongfully denied, and barriers such as language, literacy levels, lack of broadband internet access, and intimidating systems keep people out. We are looking for advocates who help people overcome these challenges. We are searching for creative and passionate individuals who will join us in making this a reality. This person must be flexible and willing to organize community events, some of which will need to occur on nights and weekends, but scheduled by the successful candidate.
This individual leads consumer engagement and community outreach efforts in the targeted area (see “Position Details” below). They will provide direct assistance in applying for and renewing health coverage through Medical Assistance (Medicaid), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. They will be trained on the complex eligibility rules, the application and verification processes, and the kinds of coverage provided by the programs. To do that all, the ideal candidate will be able to perform the responsibilities below with specific personal qualities while meeting the position’s requirements.
Responsibilities
● Provides fair, impartial, and accurate in-person, phone, and virtual assistance with the application and enrollment process
● Presents information on eligibility, enrollment, and qualifications for Medicaid, CHIP, and health plans through Pennie in an easy-to-understand way
● Follows up with consumers and ensures that they have the necessary documents to complete their application or renewal
● Educates consumers on accessing care and benefits
● Connects and refer people to the appropriate resources when issues arise
● Assists in the development of materials, resources, and reports in multiple formats (print, video, social media) to document and support the work community members are doing to improve healthcare access
● Provides services that culturally and linguistically appropriate and that are accessible for people with disabilities
● Forms partnerships with local community organizations and healthcare providers
● Captures stories from community members to support advocacy
Personal Qualities
● Ability to build and maintain trust and good rapport with individuals
● Desire to improve people’s lives by connecting them to health care and a passion for social justice and community organizing
● Passion for social justice and community change within systematically marginalized communities
● Flexible, adaptable and able to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
● Knowledge of and ability to work and engage with the uninsured, under-served and under-represented populations
● Willingness to learn new technology and software to achieve outcomes
Requirements
● Knowledge of community outreach and engagement; organizing experience preferred
● Proven ability to organize, prioritize, execute, and evaluate work plans
● Any undergraduate degree that is helpful to this work
● Strong knowledge of digital media and online communications (Facebook, Instagram)
● Preference will be given to candidates who speak and write Spanish fluently, including the ability to discuss health coverage, medical conditions, and other related topics in Spanish. Support is available from PHAN’s existing Spanish-speaking experts.
Position Details:
● Must be able to work remotely from home on a regular schedule with flexibility to accommodate meetings, consumers, and special events
● Must be able to regularly travel throughout the targeted area, which requires reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance. Travel to different parts of Pennsylvania is occasionally required. All travel is reimbursed using the Federal mileage reimbursement rate.
Full-time salary ($40,000 -$45,000) with an excellent benefits package, flexible work environment, and generous paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
Please note: The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Other duties and responsibilities are assigned as required by management.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action:
PHAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is working to expand the communities it serves and represents. We strongly encourage applicants from
communities, constituencies, and identities that are underrepresented in health care advocacy, including but not limited to: people of color, people with disabilities, low-income people, and LGBTQ+ people.
About Us:
Stronger Voices for Better Health
The Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) is a leading statewide advocacy coalition working to improve the quality and accessibility of health coverage options. Strengthening consumer
voices in health equity discussions since 2007, PHAN focuses on rural and underserved communities. PHAN educates consumers, advocates, and organizations on policy issues that enhance the value, affordability, and outcomes of healthcare delivery. It services nearly all Pennsylvania counties, and to date has connected tens of thousands to coverage.