Job Title: Community Health Advocate
Dept: Insurance Programs
Reports to: Director of insurance
Employment Status: Part‑Time (20 hours/week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $22.00 hourly
Apply & Submit Resume: recruitment@acrhealth.org
Position Summary:
The Community Health Advocate educates and assists consumers with public health insurance benefits, Medicare, private health insurance, prescription programs, and medical debt. The position maintains thorough case records, supports consumers through enrollment processes, and upholds strict confidentiality and compliance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies and procedures.
Authority and Independence
The Community Health Advocate works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established policies, procedures, and grant requirements. The position requires maintaining confidentiality, balancing supervisory responsibilities with direct program oversight, and managing outreach, engagement, and coordination activities with professionalism and cultural humility.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Minimum of an associate’s degree.
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work at more than one work site.
- Flexible work schedule: some evenings and weekends may be required.
- Strong computer skills (web-based databases, word processing, Excel, etc.).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in languages other than English strongly preferred.
- Ability to work effectively in a multi‑cultural and multi‑ethnic environment.
- Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGBTQ issues, and strong alignment with ACR Health’s mission, vision, and values.
Other Requirements
- Valid New York State driver’s license.
- Reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work‑related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport (personal ownership not required).
- Successful completion of required background screenings, including Medicaid/OMIG checks.
Primary Responsibilities
- Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures, and other applicable regulations; protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols.
- Educate and assist consumers with issues related to public health insurance benefits, Medicare, private health insurance benefits, prescription programs, and medical debt.
- Assist consumers to enroll in Medicare.
- Enter all data into Salesforce in a timely manner.
- Maintain thorough case records of services provided, advice given, and/or referrals.
- Schedule and maintain appointments with potentially eligible consumers.
- Meet productivity and quality performance targets.
- Attend all required and recommended staff training, supervisions, outreach, and in-services.
- Attend monthly contractor meetings.
- Attend yearly advocacy meetings with elected officials.
- Conduct community outreach to potential consumers; some nights and weekends are required.
- Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Insurance Programs, Chief Program Officer, and/or Chief Executive Officer.
Schedule & Location:
- Part‑Time: 20 hours per week, in‑office
- Available Locations:
- Syracuse, NY
- Watertown, NY
- Occasional evenings and weekends are required for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events.
Benefits
Benefits eligibility varies based on employment status and hours worked and may include:
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Disclaimer: This job description provides an overview of primary duties and responsibilities. It is not exhaustive; additional, consistent tasks may be assigned as program needs evolve.
