Certified Application Counselor (CAC)

River Valley Counseling•Holyoke, MA

7d•$23 - $29

About The Position

The Certified Application Counselor (CAC) at River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) is responsible for assisting uninsured and underinsured individuals in accessing health coverage and financial assistance programs, helping to reduce barriers to care and support overall community health outcomes. This role includes providing education on insurance options, guiding individuals through application and enrollment processes, maintaining accurate and compliant documentation, and conducting follow-ups to ensure successful coverage retention. The CAC collaborates with internal staff, external partners, and community resources to connect individuals with appropriate healthcare services while delivering culturally responsive, client-centered support. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, team-oriented environment while maintaining client dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Languages: Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) required to effectively support and communicate with a diverse patient population.
Licenses/Registrations: Must obtain Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification within 3 months of hire.
Experience: At least two (2) years of professional experience in areas such as social work, case management, counseling, claims, insurance or related fields.
Equipment used: Telephone, computer terminal and printer; photocopier; fax machine; pager
Working Conditions: Job requires working in multiple client care sites, with a high level of interaction with professional, clinical and support staff, and clients; exposure to information which must be kept confidential; frequent sitting; ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. unassisted; potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious diseases; risks inherent in a behavioral health clinical environment

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service to patients, staff, and community members in a diverse, multicultural, and fast-paced environment.
Assist uninsured and underinsured individuals in accessing health coverage and financial assistance programs, including MassHealth, Health Connector Plans, Health Safety Net, Premium Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, Prescription Advantage, and other applicable programs.
Support individuals in completing health and dental insurance applications using state systems or paper forms, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
Educate and guide individuals on insurance responsibilities, eligibility requirements, renewal processes, and plan options to support informed decision-making.
Facilitate enrollment and re-enrollment processes, including conducting follow-ups to ensure application completion and retention of coverage.
Assess income, assets, and financial documentation to determine eligibility for insurance programs and financial assistance.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records and ensure all insurance documentation is compliant with program and regulatory standards.
Connect individuals to primary care, specialty providers, reduced-cost healthcare options, and community-based resources to support overall access to care.
Conduct outreach activities to engage community members and increase awareness of available health coverage and assistance programs.
Serve as a knowledgeable resource on current state and federal healthcare policies, programs, and regulatory updates.
Build and maintain strong relationships with patients, families, and community partners through compassionate, culturally responsive support.
Manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining accuracy, quality, and adherence to deadlines.
Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners to support enrollment goals and improve service delivery.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development to remain current on healthcare programs and systems.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

A supportive, mission-driven work environment
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
Competitive benefits package
Collaboration with a compassionate, multidisciplinary team
The chance to make a real difference in our communities
Salary Range: $23-$29 an hour (Based on years of experience, level of education, specialty and licensure/certifications. Additional Compensation for advanced education for qualifying positions.)
Generous time off benefits for eligible positions
Exclusive employee discounts
Excellent and affordable insurance including health, vision, dental and pet insurance.
Mileage reimbursement
CEU reimbursement
403b match
Retention Payments offered to licensed and licensed eligible clinicians!