Program Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference! 

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA.  Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.  

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy. PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education. We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown. 

As a Program Support Specialist at PHC Homeless Support Services, you will provide administrative support for the various grant-funded programs within the Homeless Support Services department. Support includes assistance with basic need services, administrative support, data entry, and participation in continuous quality improvement project activities that help programs meet their goals and standards. Displays excellent customer service skills with patients and in coordination with PHC team members as well as external community agencies to provide positive service experiences. 

What You'll Do

1. Welcomes clients and department visitors by greeting and helping them. Proactively identifies and assists clients needing assistance in the department and refers to appropriate resources for assistance. Provides prompt, efficient, and friendly customer service by exhibiting caring, concern and patience in all client interactions. 
2. Completes accurate registration for clients receiving services. 
3. Answers phone calls, records and delivers messages per department protocol. 
4. Assists clients with shower, clothing, supplies, and other ancillary services. 
5. Advocates for clients including making telephone calls, procuring, and obtaining needed forms, researching community resources and other duties as needed. 
6. Provides external referrals for community agencies and other PHC services. 
7. Enters case notes and program data into Homeless Management Information Systems (HIMS) and directed by grant guidelines. 
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in healthcare or human services; or 2 years in customer service. 

Required Skills

• Basic computer proficiency, including use of email, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. 

• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and listening skills. 

• Excellent customer service skills with a commitment to service excellence. 

• Effective organization and prioritization skills. 

• Detail orientation with a high degree of accuracy. 

• Demonstrates professionalism, interacts with others calmly and empathically, and de-escalates difficult situations. 

Preferred Qualification and Skills

• Associate's degree or experience in human services or a related field. 

• Working knowledge of local community resources. 

• Proficiency using a Homeless Management Information System. 

• Fluency in spoken English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in both languages. 

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for a Program Support Specialist is typically $17.00-21.25. Highly experienced candidates may be considered for additional compensation up to the pay range maximum. In addition to base pay, PHC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual 

• Eight paid holidays

• License/certification fee reimbursement*

• Paid time off for continuing education*

• Tuition reimbursement program

• 401k with company match

• Medical, dental, & vision coverage

• Life & disability insurance

• Flexible spending & health savings accounts

• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

• Discounted pet insurance

• PHC Pride rewards program

Visit for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

*Applies to individuals with certification. 

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