Health Insurance Navigator & Outreach Specialist

Health Insurance Navigator & Outreach Specialist

Full time, 40hpw, M-F 9AM-5PM

$19.25 per hour

Office Location: 14906 NY 30, Malone NY 12953

Travel Required: Yes, at least 50% of the work week

Position Summary:

The Health Insurance Navigator & Outreach Specialist is responsible for conducting community-based outreach, education, and enrollment services related to health insurance coverage through the NY State of Health Marketplace. This position plays a critical role in increasing awareness of MILC’s Navigator services, available health coverage options, assisting individuals with application and enrollment, and ensuring continued access to care through renewals and follow-up support.

The position operates both in office and in the community, engaging individuals where they live, work, and receive services. The position will establish partner sites to co-locate and provide enrollment support services.

Training on the NY State of Health and various insurance options are provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to promote health insurance enrollment services;
• Representing the organization at community events, health fairs, partner sites, and public forums;
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, and local organizations;
• Conduct presentations on MILC’s health insurance services and health insurance options;
• Complete monthly potential volunteer site location lists and educate clients on sites where they may be able to volunteer to maintain their Medicaid;
• Distribute outreach materials and ensure visibility of services in the community.

Education & Assistance

• Provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about health insurance options, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plans, and Qualified Health Plans;
• Educate individuals on eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process;
• Explain health insurance including how to use the coverage, search for doctors, and the components of health insurance including premiums, deductibles, copays, and more;
• Tailor communication to meet the needs of diverse populations, including those with disabilities or limited health literacy;
• Refer consumers to other organizations for community resources when needed;
• Help consumers understand their appeal rights and how to file an appeal;
• Ensure all education is compliant with NYSOH guidelines and Navigator program requirements.

Enrollment & Application Assistance

• Assist individuals in completing and submitting NY State of Health applications online;
• Provide in-person, telephonic, and community-based enrollment assistance;
• Help clients gather required documentation and troubleshoot application issues;
• Support clients with plan selection based on their needs and eligibility;
• Maintain strict confidentiality and data security standards when handling personal information.

Renewals & Follow-Up

• Assist clients with renewals and coverage updates;
• Conduct follow-up with clients to ensure successful enrollment and continued coverage;
• Provide ongoing support for changes in income, household size, or eligibility status;
• Track and manage client caseload to ensure timely service delivery.

Documentation & Compliance

• Meet productivity, reporting, and compliance standards set by NYSOH;
• Maintain up-to-date certification and training required for Navigator staff;
• Assist in collecting client feedback through surveys;
• Participate in program reviews and data quality checks;
• Participate in team meetings and collaboration;
• Complete monthly reporting of outreach activities, enrollments, and required data elements.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in community-based settings
• Comfort working with diverse and vulnerable populations
• Willingness to travel; use of your own vehicle is required. Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate.
• Willingness to work occasionally outside of regular business hours such as evenings and weekends to attend outreach events
• Willingness to accommodate the work schedule of an applicant to help with an enrollment
• Must obtain NYSOH Navigator certification within 30 days of employment and maintain certification throughout employment.

Preferred:

• Experience in outreach or community engagement
• Experience with health insurance benefits
• Associates Degree in a human services or related field
• Personal experience with a disability a PLUS
• Ability to speak more than one language a PLUS

Core Competencies:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Ability to explain complex information in simple terms
• Professionalism and ethical conduct
• Office technology skills including how to scan, upload, copy, fax
• Computer skills required including how to use Word, Outlook, Microsoft Office, and Excel. Usage of a shared calendar is required.
• Work cell phone is provided and competency on how to use a cell phone for checking email, messaging, and app usage will be necessary.

Work Environment & Expectations:

• Combination of office and field-based work
• Fieldwork includes outreach, community presentations, enrollment at off-site locations
• Frequent travel including during the winter months
• Regular interaction with community members in a variety of settings

Benefits & Pay:

· Full Time Position, 40hpw, non-exempt

• 5 paid lunch/break hours, so the working hours are 35 per week.
• $19.25 per hour
• 11 paid Holidays
• 80 paid hours sick time
• 80 paid hours vacation annually. Years 1-4 are 80 hrs per year, Year 5 increases to 120 hours, and every year after the employee is provided with an addition 8 hours of vacation time (ie: Year 6 = 128, Year 7 = 136,and so forth)
• 32 paid hours personal time
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid lunch and breaks
• Paid Snow Days & Snow Delays (based on local school closures)
• Paid jury duty leave
• 403(b) retirement Plan with an employer 3% contribution after a vested period with the agency
• Casual dress code
• Excellent health insurance for the employee! Single health coverage at only $40.00 a month premium. MILC provides an HRA where medical bills are sent first before the employee. The HRA pays 75% of the medical costs. $5.00 a month for dental + vision for the employee. MILC does not offer Family health insurance, but we do offer Family Dental/Vision for an additional cost. There is a 90-day waiting period for health insurance. Insurance begins on your 91st day of employment.
• Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate (currently 0.725/mile for 2026)
• All other required benefits: Worker’s Compensation, Paid Family Leave, Maternity leave, Unemployment, Short Term Disability, etc.
• MILC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages people with disabilities and/or minorities to apply.

IMPORTANT - COVID19 Related Policies

• *****MILC, like many other employers in the health-related fields - serves consumers with serious and chronic medical conditions. In addition - MILC is an Independent Living Center - where over 50% of staff by mandate must be people with disabilities/chronic health conditions. MILC has implemented a mandatory vaccination program for all employees. Upon hire, an employee would need to provide MILC with proof of COVID19 vaccination. Any version of the COVID19 vaccine is accepted. This is meant to ensure the safest possible environment for those who work in our agency and/or otherwise visit our offices.

This description may not include all of the duties; knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position and will be modified as the need arises.

Pay: $19.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person