Patient Benefits Coordinator II - Social Security Database

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program•Boston, MA

7d•$23 - $36•Hybrid

About The Position

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) is seeking a Patient Benefits Coordinator (PBC) to assist patients with the Social Security application process, including initial applications, reconsiderations, and appeals. The PBC will ensure patients file the appropriate paperwork with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and follow 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 also serves as backup for appointment scheduling and patient intake, including fast-paced patient registration, providing patient benefits assistance, greeting patients at the clinic front desk, directing patients appropriately, and facilitating communication between patients and clinic staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency required
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) required
Ability to work with minimal supervision successfully
Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite including Excel

Nice To Haves

2 years of benefits experience in a clinical environment preferred
Knowledge of health insurance and entitlement benefits programs preferred
Familiarity with EPIC (electronic medical record) preferred
Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred

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
Successfully complete MassHealth Certified Application Counselor exam (CAC) within 60 days of hire and maintain active certification status