Care Specialist

Upward Health; Centereach (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Upward Health is seeking a Care Specialist to deliver chronic care management to high‑complexity patients, mostly in patients’ homes with occasional virtual visits. Your role includes enrollment guidance, coordinating with providers, and ensuring adherence to care plans.

You will build rapport, coordinate care, and educate patients to promote health, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and improve outcomes. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in community health or related roles.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation for travel within territory.
• Experience in chronic care management or with chronically ill/elderly patients.
• Technologically proficient with basic computer skills and EMR systems.
• Experience with motivational interviewing and care coordination.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Deliver chronic care management to high‑complexity patients, primarily in patients' homes (90%) and some virtual care (10%).
• Guide patients through enrollment, facilitate virtual appointments, and ensure adherence to care plans.
• Build relationships and coordinate care to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.

Skills

Community Health Worker

Care Coordination

Motivational Interviewing

Interpersonal Communication

Time Management

EMR Proficiency

Bilingual (optional)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EMR Systems

Job description

Company Overview

Upward Health is an in-home, multidisciplinary medical group providing 24/7 whole-person care. Our clinical team treats physical, behavioral, and social health needs when and where a patient needs help. Everyone on our team from our doctors, nurses, and Care Specialists to our HR, Technology, and Business Services staff are driven by a desire to improve the lives of our patients. We are able to treat a wide range of needs – everything from addressing poorly controlled blood sugar to combatting anxiety to accessing medically tailored meals – because we know that health requires care for the whole person. It’s no wonder 98% of patients report being fully satisfied with Upward Health!

Job Title & Role Description

The Care Specialist is a key member of the team responsible for delivering chronic care management to high-complexity patients. The Care Specialist primarily works in patients' homes and communities (90% of the time) and engages in virtual care (10% of the time). This role involves direct outreach to patients, guiding them through the enrollment process, facilitating virtual appointments with providers, and ensuring that patients adhere to care plans. By building relationships, coordinating care, and providing education, the Care Specialist plays a critical role in promoting health, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, and improving patient outcomes.

Skills Required

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience (e.g., Community Health Worker, Peer Support Specialist, Medical Assistant, etc.).
• High school diploma or GED required.
• A valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation to travel within the assigned territory.
• Experience in chronic care management or working with chronically ill/elderly patients.
• Technologically proficient with basic computer skills (typing, using EMR systems).
• Experience with motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and care coordination.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage patients and team members effectively.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage schedules, and work independently in an unstructured environment.
• Multi-lingual skills are a plus but not required.
• Prior home care experience is beneficial.

Key Behaviors

Adaptability & Resilience

Ability to thrive in unstructured environments and pivot as needed to meet patient needs. Demonstrates perseverance in challenging situations.

Self-Starter & Motivation

Proactively takes initiative in managing patient care and outreach. Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes and systems.

Empathy & Compassion

Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understand their complex needs. Skilled in building rapport through motivational interviewing and other patient-centered communication techniques.

Accountability & Integrity

Demonstrates personal responsibility and takes ownership of tasks, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all activities.

Cultural Competence

Awareness of community dynamics and diversity, ensuring culturally sensitive and inclusive care.

Team Collaboration

Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to meet patient and organizational goals.

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Strong critical thinking skills to assess patient needs, analyze data, and develop appropriate care strategies.

Communication Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication, capable of explaining complex medical information to patients in a clear and supportive manner.

Competencies

Care Coordination

Ability to engage patients in a comprehensive care plan, facilitating communication between patients, providers, and family members to ensure timely, effective care.

Health Education

Effectively educates patients about their medical conditions, care plans, and available resources, ensuring that patients can make informed decisions.

Patient Engagement

Uses various strategies, including phone calls, home visits, and community outreach, to engage patients and ensure continuous participation in their care.

Time Management & Organization

Demonstrates strong organizational skills by managing patient caseloads, schedules, and documentation efficiently.

Technology Proficiency

Skilled in using electronic health records (EMR) systems and other digital tools to document patient information and communicate within the team.

Motivational Interviewing & Patient-Centered Care

Uses motivational interviewing techniques to build rapport and empower patients to take ownership of their health decisions.

Data Management

Ensures accurate and timely documentation of patient data, ensuring continuity of care and compliance with organizational standards.

Outcome-Oriented Approach

Focuses on achieving key health outcomes, such as improved care adherence, reduction in emergency room visits, and enhanced self-management.

Upward Health is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. This job description is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position.

NY pay range: $21 USD - $25 USD