Benefit Specialist

AltaPointe Health•Foley, AL

About The Position

The Benefit Specialist is responsible for assessing patients' financial resources to determine their need for benefits, assisting them in completing applications, and obtaining necessary documentation. This role involves advocating on behalf of patients with the Social Security Administration, tracking application statuses, and ensuring relevant departments are notified upon benefit acquisition. The specialist will also utilize the SUN-R assessment tool to identify patient needs, set goals, and provide appropriate linkages to community resources. Additionally, the role includes seeking clinical supervision, maintaining timely and accurate clinical records in the Avatar EHR, managing caseloads to meet productivity standards, and treating patients with dignity and respect. Other duties include participating in performance improvement activities, committees, and adhering to AltaPointe policies and procedures.

Requirements

Must be at least age 23.
Maintain a valid verifiable driver license.
Maintain a clear driving record.
Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
Ability to stay organized and multi-task a workload with multiple consumers.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of cultural diversity (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers, as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practice (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of available community resources (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of the social security system in order to obtain benefits (to be attained within six months of employment).
Knowledge of the SOAR system (to be attained within six months of employment).

Responsibilities

Assess patient’s financial resources to determine the need to apply for benefits.
Assist patients in completing applications to secure benefits.
Assist patients in obtaining documentation required for applications to Social Security Administration.
Advocate on behalf of patients with the Social Security Administration office.
Track patient’s statuses that have applied for benefits.
Ensure the Finance and Accounting department and treatment team is notified when benefits are obtained.
Demonstrate the ability to review the patients’ needs utilizing the SUN-R.
Identify goals and plans for appropriate services.
Provide appropriate linkage to community resources.
Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed.
Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement.
Actively works to enhance case management skills.
Documents in a timely fashion per Alta Pointe policy.
Documents using company’s primary electronic health record, Avatar appropriately.
Documents appropriate, complete, and comprehensive SUN-R assessments.
Documents measurable and specific goals in the individualized service plan.
Documents in clear and concise manner types of consumer problems, ISP goals addressed and services provided.
Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals.
Documents legibly.
Effectively manages caseload based on consumers’ needs.
Meets AltaPointe productivity standards.
Treats patients with care, dignity and compassion.
Respects patient’s privacy and confidentiality.
Is pleasant and cooperative with others.
Is sensitive to the consumers’ needs, expectations and individual differences.
Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.
Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.
Follows AltaPointe policies and procedures.
Attends required in-service trainings and other workshops.