Community Health Advocate

Job Title: Community Health Advocate
Department: Insurance Programs
Reports To: Director of Insurance
Employment Status: Full-Time (35 hours/week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $19.00 – $22.00/hour

Position Summary: The Community Health Advocate provides education and assistance to consumers navigating public health insurance, Medicare, private health insurance, prescription programs, and medical debt. This role supports individuals through enrollment processes, maintains accurate case records, and ensures strict compliance with confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and Article 27-F.

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

• Associate’s degree required.

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).
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is required for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events

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 public health insurance, Medicare, private insurance, prescription programs, and medical debt.
• Support and guide consumers through Medicare enrollment.
• Maintain accurate and timely data entry in Salesforce.
• Document services, referrals, and case notes thoroughly.
• Schedule and manage appointments with eligible consumers.
• Meet established productivity and quality performance targets.
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, outreach activities, and advocacy events.
• Conduct community outreach, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard all client and agency data in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Insurance Programs, Chief Program Officer, and/or Chief Executive Officer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Life Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt | Location:  Syracuse

Work Schedule:  Full Time, in-office position (35 hours per week) , occasional evenings and weekends may be required for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events.

Work Environment & Expectations: This position operates with a high level of professionalism and independent judgment under general supervision. The role requires maintaining strict confidentiality, managing outreach efforts, and delivering services with cultural humility and respect.

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.