Patient Benefits Coordinator II - Social Security Database

Who We Are:
Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 10,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. Our clinicians, case managers, and behavioral health professionals work in more than 30 locations to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable—and most resilient—citizens.

From our earliest days as a program, we have always sought to do work that is transformational: recognizing our shared humanity; centering dignity, compassion, mutual respect and supporting the right of every individual to access the highest levels of health care and every staff member to reach their fullest potential. We continue to be committed to building bridges and breaking down barriers, including systemic racism which harms us all. We provide community-based health care services that are compassionate, dignified, and culturally appropriate, incorporating social determinants of health, with the goal of breaking down the physical and systemic barriers that our patients face.

Job Summary:
Hours: Full-time; 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Union: Yes
Union Name: 1199SEIU
Patient Facing: Yes

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) is seeking a Patient Benefits Coordinator (PBC) to assist patients with the Social Security application process helping with initial applications, reconsiderations, appeals, and making sure patients file the appropriate paperwork with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and following up accordingly.

While providing direct patient assistance and operational support at the Barbara McInnis House respite facility and clinic sites across the Boston area, the PBC will maintain a database to track applications submitted by the program and report on the outcomes by presenting data as requested.

This role serves as back up for appointment scheduling and patient intake including fast-paced patient registration during the registration process, providing patient benefits assistance, greeting patients at the clinic front desk, directing patients appropriately, and facilitating communication between patients and clinic staff.

Responsibilities:

• Assist patients with their Social Security paperwork including initial application, reconsiderations, and appeals; use the online Social Security portal to submit applications and send in supporting documentation whenever possible; register as a representative with the Social Security Administration and follow through on assigned caseload
• Maintain the program’s internal Social Security database, tracking applications, and reporting on outcomes to the team; meet weekly for case conferencing with the internal Social Security team and be prepared to discuss outstanding cases
• Outreach to various shelter sites across Greater Boston, assisting patients with Social Security applications and relevant follow-up; provide backup at shelter sites by greeting patients at the front desk and direct them throughout the clinic according to their needs
• Coordinate with patient’s care team to best prepare Social Security applications and appeals
• Assist patients and troubleshoot issues with applications for emergency assistance programs (EAEDC)
• Work with Disability Determination Services (DDS) and their homeless liaison to ensure that patients are receiving timely decisions and follow up on their applications, work with the Social Security Administration’s local Public Relations department to follow up on submitted applications and identify best practices
• Attend quarterly meetings with DDS and act as the lead for homeless services; organize and attend quarterly meetings with SSA and the internal team

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field and/or have attained the requisite skills from prior work experience (1-2 years experience in a patient benefits or health insurance support capacity) preferred
• 2 years of benefits experience in a clinical environment preferred
• Knowledge of health insurance and entitlement benefits programs preferred
• Ability to work with minimal supervision successfully
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite including Excel
• Familiarity with EPIC (electronic medical record) preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

• The compensation increases based on years of experience and ranges from $23.00-$35.60 per hour.
• BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off program, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan, pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount, additional compensation for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and more. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.

As an equal opportunity employer, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is optional for employment. Candidates who are offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination if they choose to.

Please Note: Employment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless is at-will. Boston Health Care for the Homeless does not sponsor work authorization visas.