Health Counselor

The Community Service Society (CSS) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has been at the forefront of public policy innovations that support low-income New Yorkers for more than 170 years. CSS’s Health Initiatives Department runs a number of statewide programs that help New Yorkers find and use their health insurance or otherwise access health care. In October 2018, CSS launched New York State’s first health insurance ombudsman program targeting the needs of people with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP). CHAMP operates statewide through a toll-free live-answer helpline and in partnership with five community-based organizations and three specialist organizations. CHAMP’s goal is to help consumers navigate and secure mental health and substance use disorder benefits through their health insurance plans.

CSS seeks to hire a Health Counselor who will provide consumer assistance to New Yorkers with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, as well as their family members and health care providers. Job duties will include:

Job Description:

• Respond to live calls from consumers, family members and providers on the CHAMP Helpline.

• Provide information, education, advice, navigational services and appeal and complaint representation to consumers and providers to help them successfully utilize health insurance and/or care.

• Maintain thorough case records of services provided, advice, appeals and/or referrals.

• Help identify systemic trends or practices that adversely affect clients and work closely with senior CSS staff and other appropriate stake holders.

• Provide trainings and presentations to consumers, family members, advocates, providers and others, as needed.

• Prepare training materials and fact sheets as needed.

• Other responsibilities identified by Supervisor.

Job Requirements:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred.

• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish or a language other than English strongly preferred.

• Minimum of one year of experience providing assistance to consumers and/or advocates on health insurance, health care access issues, or providing assistance to people with mental health or substance use disorder needs preferred.

• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, persuasively and keep detailed notes of all communications.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word.

• Experience entering case notes into SalesForce or other database preferred.

Salary: The annual compensation range for this position is $73,366.00 to $73,366.00.

For immediate consideration, cover letter and resume required.