Outreach Specialist (Health Insurance Navigator Program)
This is a 20 hour/week position. This position is supported through grant funding that currently runs through October 31, 2027. Continuance of this position depends on the additional availability of funds.
A Program of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County
The Human Services Coalition (HSC) is seeking a part-time Outreach Specialist to support HSC’s Health Insurance Navigator Program and help residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties maintain access to health insurance coverage and connect with coverage options for which they may be eligible. The Outreach Specialist will play an important role in HSC’s efforts to Keep New Yorkers Covered by conducting proactive community outreach, increasing awareness of upcoming health insurance changes, connecting residents with local health insurance navigators, and helping ensure that individuals and families have the information and support they need to maintain or obtain health coverage.
This position is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about healthcare access and helping community members navigate an increasingly complex health insurance system. The Outreach Specialist will help residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties maintain access to free or low-cost health insurance, understand changes that may affect their coverage, and explore other affordable coverage options, including financial assistance for Qualified Health Plans.
A key part of this role is meeting people where they are. The Outreach Specialist will work closely with community organizations, service providers, and other partners to connect with residents in a variety of settings. This position offers a unique combination of office-based work and hands-on community engagement throughout Tompkins and Cortland Counties.
We are looking for someone who is approachable, compassionate, resourceful, and committed to helping people overcome barriers to healthcare coverage. If you bring a helpful, nonjudgmental, and solutions-focused approach, we encourage you to apply.
HSC values the knowledge and perspectives that come from both professional and personal experience. Applicants with relevant lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsible to:
Director of Health Planning
Duties:
- Conduct targeted community outreach throughout Tompkins and Cortland Counties to increase awareness of health insurance coverage, eligibility, and renewal requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations and other trusted partners that serve populations at greatest risk of losing health insurance coverage, ensuring partners understand recent coverage changes and know how to connect individuals with a Health Insurance Navigator/Assistor.
- Collaborate with our Administrative & Technology Coordinator to develop and implement outreach and public awareness strategies, including social media campaigns, public transit advertising, and other community-based communications.
- Represent our Health Insurance Navigator Program at community events and in locations where residents can be reached directly, including fairs, food pantries, community meals, and other community gathering spaces.
- Provide clear, accessible information to community members about changes to Medicaid and other health insurance programs and connect individuals who need assistance with our Health Insurance Navigators.
- Track outreach activities, contacts, referrals, and other required data to support program evaluation and funder reporting requirements.
- Participate in monthly meetings with program funders and provide updates on outreach activities, successes, challenges, and emerging community needs.
- Complete required Health Insurance Enrollment Assistor training through the NY State of Health, with the goal of becoming qualified to provide direct health insurance enrollment assistance as part of our outreach strategy.
Qualifications:
If you are interested in the work described in this posting, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications.
- Strong verbal communication skills. Able to speak in group settings, collaborate with other community-based organizations and speak with community members about the upcoming eligibility changes and renewal process for Medicaid.
- Written ability to communicate via email, create outreach materials and marketing strategies to promote health insurance navigator services.
- Comfort with computers and web-based systems. Experience with designing outreach materials via computer programming is a preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of or interest in learning about the different health insurance options available through the New York State of Health.
- Desire to help members of the community with their health insurance-related needs.
- Demonstration of a helpful, positive, and nonjudgmental approach, showing respect and fairness to all community members, especially those on Medicaid and other low cost health insurance programs.
- Ability to travel within Tompkins and Cortland Counties for outreach purposes. Must possess a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, or be able to meet the transportation requirements of the position. Mileage reimbursement included for work-related travel.
Benefits:
In addition to wages, HSC offers a cafeteria benefit plan with employer contributions that can be used towards medical, dental and/or vision insurance or taken as taxable income. HSC also offers a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and generous time off, with paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. ( an additional $4.15/hr)
Consistent with the Human Services Coalition’s Hybrid Work Policy, a flexible hybrid schedule (in-office and remote) may be possible. Some in-office hours are required.
Remote work requires access to high-speed internet and router. Due to the nature of this position, occasional evening and weekend work may be required to attend community outreach events.
How To apply, please submit a resume and answer the following:
1) What is your interest in this position and in helping people in the community?
2) Describe the professional or personal lived experiences that make you a strong candidate for this position. Feel free to include any knowledge you have about health insurance and/or health access in Tompkins County or how you might learn about them.
This position will be open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All hiring, appointments, promotions, and terms/conditions of employment shall be made on the basis of merit and totally without discrimination based on color, race, national or ethnic origin, gender, creed, sexual orientation or affectation, gender identity, marital status, age, religious preference, disability, economic status, political beliefs or veteran status.
The Human Services Coalition is a Living Wage employer.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $24.75 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- What is your interest in this position and in helping people in the community?
- Describe the professional or personal lived experiences that make you a strong candidate for this position. Feel free to include any knowledge you have about health insurance and/or health access in Tompkins County or how you might learn about them.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ithaca, NY 14850
