Community Specialist

Socket.dev; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Coast VNA & Hospice in California seeks a Community Specialist to support VNA Specialty Programs including Volunteer and Bereavement Services. The CS provides administrative and operational support, handles patient and client communication, and assists with EMR documentation, data tracking, and database management.

This full‑time role involves travel within the service area, collaboration with internal teams, event planning, referrals, and ensuring program awareness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of healthcare experience preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead ECM, Aspire, and Connections programs, managing referrals, admissions, scheduling, and reporting.
• Coordinate referral processes: authorizations, eligibility, compliance, and clinician communication.
• Conduct bereavement follow-up calls and document outcomes.
• Support Volunteer team and program coordination.
• Plan and execute events, including logistics and setup.
• Maintain EMR and internal database documentation.
• Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment via phone and in person.
• Explain program benefits clearly to patients, families, and stakeholders.
• Travel within service area as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Healthcare administration coursework preferred

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Central Coast VNA & Hospice (VNA), we are proud to support the growth and advancement of our team. Due to an internal promotion, we are excited to open an opportunity for a Community Specialist to join our organization. For more than 74 years, VNA has delivered compassionate, team-driven home health, palliative, and hospice care to individuals and families across the Central Coast—providing skilled in-home services ranging from rehabilitation and chronic disease management to comfort care at life’s end. As a nonprofit rooted in community trust, we remain committed to dignity, respect, and patient-centered care, reinvesting in clinical excellence, family support, and accessible community health services. We welcome individuals who are passionate about community impact and healthcare to apply and grow with our mission-driven team.

Job Summary: The Community Specialist (CS) provides administrative and operational support across VNA Specialty Programs, including Volunteer and Bereavement Services. Working under the direction of Program Leaders, this role supports daily operations through patient and client communication, event coordination, and administrative functions such as EMR documentation, data tracking, and database management.

The CS collaborates with internal teams, supports program awareness through presentations, and manages referrals, reporting systems, and data collection processes. This role may also assist in onboarding and training new staff.

Status:Full-Time

• 3 days per week: 8:00am - 5:00pm
• 2 days per week: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Responsibilities:

• Serve as project lead for ECM, Aspire, and Connections programs, including managing referrals, admissions, scheduling, data tracking, and reporting
• Coordinate and complete referral processes, including obtaining authorizations, verifying eligibility, ensuring compliance, and communicating with clinical staff
• Conduct bereavement follow-up calls and document outcomes
• Support and collaborate with the Volunteer team, including program coordination and leadership support
• Plan and execute events, including logistics, setup, and coordination
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EMR systems and internal databases
• Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, both via phone and in person
• Communicate program benefits clearly to patients, families, and stakeholders
• Travel within the service area as needed

Education/Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; coursework or background in Social Services or Healthcare Administration preferred
• At least 1 year of experience in a healthcare setting (home health or hospice preferred)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data tracking and reporting
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred

Special Requirements:

• Current driver's license
• Auto insurance
• Reliable vehicle

Joining VNA means becoming part of a trusted, mission-driven organization with more than 74 years of community-based service. We are dedicated to supporting our employees with meaningful professional growth opportunities, a collaborative environment, and a strong commitment to work/life balance.

The compensation range for this role is determined by factors such as location and required skills. The salary range provided reflects the lowest to highest amount we reasonably anticipate paying for this position at the time of posting. Compensation is influenced by labor market conditions and various factors, including but not limited to: prevailing minimum wage in the area, relevant education, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, sales or revenue targets, and business needs. It is not typical for a new hire to be offered the highest end of the salary range. Pay decisions are based on the unique circumstances of each candidate and position.

In addition to competitive compensation, VNA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• HSA and FSA options
• 403(b) plan
• A $35 monthly premium for employee-only medical coverage or other options available

We are proud to provide a workplace where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact on the community we serve.