Social Health Engagement Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Social Health Engagement Specialist

Reports to: FLIPA Community Health Worker Supervisor and Whitney Young Health Sr. Director Behavioral Health Service Lines

This position is located in the Albany region.

Social Care Network Summary: The New York State Department of Health has established Social Care Networks (SCNs) as part of the 1115 Waiver Demonstration Amendment, The SCN's aim is to enhance the delivery of social care services to Medicaid members by coordinating efforts among community-based organizations (CBOs) and other health care partners to create a more resilient, flexible, and accessible social care system that reduces health disparities and advances health equity. The SCN will collaborate with CBOs and other health care partners, leveraging shared data and technology to coordinate social care services for Medicaid members to improve access, ensure reliable and timely referrals, streamline and track navigation and completed referrals in closed loop systems and enhance collaboration between social care service providers and other regional partners.

Job Summary: This position is responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients while providing support in navigating and accessing resources and engaging patients in goal-driven care. The Social Health Engagement Specialist systematically identifies, assesses, refers, and monitors high-need individuals to ensure access to essential services while supporting providers and the Care Team through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach.

This position is funded through March 2027.

Organizational Overview: Forward Leading IPA (FLIPA) is a nonprofit membership association of safety net providers working in partnership to provide the highest quality integrated healthcare to historically underserved populations in Upstate New York since 2017. FLIPA is renowned for its commitment to integrating primary care, behavioral health, and social care needs. Our growing membership serves individuals across Upstate NY and includes federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), behavioral health providers, and a rural health network consisting of eight county public health departments.


Host Organization Overview:

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center (WYH) is a nonprofit established in 1971 to provide access to consistent, high-quality healthcare to underserved neighborhoods in the Capital District without regard to income. Their mission is to deliver equitable and accessible quality care - empowering our diverse community to achieve better health and wellness. They envision a future in which all people achieve their highest level of health and well-being. WYH offers medical (primary care), dental, behavioral health, and numerous specialty services to more than 20,000 men, women, and children annually at health centers in Albany, Troy, and Watervliet in the Capital Region of New York State. They serve a racially and ethnically diverse population that speaks more than 40 different languages.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: At Forward Leading IPA (FLIPA), we deeply value diversity in background, experience, and thought. We are committed to creating an environment of belonging where all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive equal consideration for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Security Level: Shared Staff - FLIPA

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide a vital link between local communities and healthcare providers by helping individuals access resources and navigate systems.
• Proactively outreach and engage identified individuals in need of services, follow up or social care screening by connecting via phone calls, home visits and/or in-person visits to other settings where patients can be found.
• Support deployment of NYS Social Care Network screening and referral process
  • Engage directly with Medicaid individuals to administer the Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool to identify needed areas of support.
  • Facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources and healthcare providers.
  • Collaborate with the Care Team to ensure timely follow-up and service linkage.
  • Use designated online referral systems and databases to track and manage client referrals.
  • Provide care management related to social care services
• Accurately document in electronic systems and maintain detailed and organized records in compliance with organizational policies and standards.
• Work closely with the Care Team, including care coordinators and other healthcare professionals, to align to a whole person care approach.
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute insights on client progress.
• Attend regular supervision, staff meetings, trainings and other meetings, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of associate's degree in human services, social work or other related degree preferred.
• Equivalent experience in lieu of education may be considered.
• Minimum of 1-3 years' human services experience.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills with commitment to helping others.
• Ability to quickly adapt and be flexible in approach to job tasks and challenges and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Excellent time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
• Capability to work cooperatively with culturally diverse clients, staff, and community service providers.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to use email, conduct online research, and create basic documents (MS Office Suite including Excel, Outlook and Word).
• NYS motor vehicle license, safe driving record and availability of personal vehicle for work.
• Holds self and others responsible and accountable to meet commitments.

Salary Range:

• Salary is commensurate to education and experience with a range of $26.44 per hour

Additional information:

• This position is an in-person role, embedded within Whitney Young Health - a FLIPA member organization.
• This position is located in the Albany region.