Program Specialist

Elevate Health; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Schedule

Robust Benefits

Mission-driven team

Job summary

Elevate Health in Tacoma, WA is seeking a Program Specialist to join our hybrid office. You will support referrals, care coordination workflows, and resource navigation to help community members access Medicaid, Apple Health, and other public benefits.

Ideal candidates have an associate degree in public health or related field, 1–2 years of experience with referrals and client management systems, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent with relevant experience in public health or social services.
• Experience processing referrals within program requirements using case management systems or similar.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse populations and navigate resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist programs team by ensuring referrals and case assignments are entered and processed.
• Assign referred clients to Community Care Hub partners as appropriate.
• Maintain documentation and communicate with clients and partners.
• Support QA/CQI activities and adherence to guidelines.
• Help clients understand and enroll in Medicaid, Apple Health, and other benefits.

Skills

Strong communication

Interviewing

Problem-solving

Web-based applications

Education

Associate degree in public health, social work, healthcare administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Elevate Health is one of nine Accountable Communities of Health (ACHs) in Washington State, a successful non-profit collaborative in Pierce County, and dedicated to achieving health equity through collective action (learn more at elevatehealth.org). We have a rare opening for a Program Specialist in our (hybrid) Tacoma office. If you are looking for an excellent career opportunity at a successful, mission- and values-driven organization, with an amazing team, and a hybrid work schedule, this is a unique opportunity!

The Program Specialist will primarily assist the programs team by ensuring referrals and case assignments are entered, processed, and proceeded through care coordination workflows as specified. In times of high referral numbers, the Program Specialist may provide direct client support to community members and clients in the form of short-term resource navigation and resource brokering. On an as-needed basis, the Program Specialist will also help individuals and families understand, access, and enroll in public health and income support programs that improve health and stability. Working in community settings, the Program Specialist provides culturally responsive, person-centered assistance with eligibility screening, applications, renewals, and education for programs including Medicaid, Medicare, Apple Health, and other state and federal public benefit programs. The Program Specialist serves as a trusted resource, building relationships with community members and partner organizations to reduce barriers to healthcare access and promote long-term benefit retention.

Here’s what you'll be doing:

Referrals & Community Care Hub Operations Support

• Ensure referrals, service delivery, documentation, and billing requirements are met and appropriately processed.
• Assign referred clients to Community Care Hub partner organization as appropriate.
• Efficiently manage correspondence with clients, Community Care Hub partners, referral sources, and other service providers.
• Support the department in quality assurance and continuous quality improvement (QA/CQI) work, ensuring providers are following standardized, evidence-based guidelines.
• Work in collaboration with all departments at Elevate Health and with diverse sectors, community members, and other stakeholders to continually improve work processes and enhance service provider and client experience.
• Work to improve Community Care Hub processes, communication, and client care as it relates to health-related social needs (HRSN).
• Support the operations of the department and Elevate Health as necessary

Other Duties as Assigned

This position may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities beyond those listed above. While these activities may be required periodically, they are not core functions of the role.

• Participate in community events, health fairs, and outreach campaigns.
• Distribute educational materials and communicate program updates in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
• Maintain accurate records in required databases and case management systems.
• Track outreach activities, enrollments, and performance metrics.
• Prepare reports as requested.
• Stay current on program policies, eligibility criteria, and regulatory changes.
• Participate in required trainings and professional development.
• Provide redetermination and reenrollment assistance for Medicaid enrollees.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Associate degree in public health, social work, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing barriers to healthcare or public benefits.
• One to two (1-2) years of experience in processing referrals within program requirements using client management system or similar technology.
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities.
• Strong communication, interviewing, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years' experience working in communities addressing social and health care disparities. Experience providing social or clinical coordination services in Pierce County preferred.
• Experience providing direct case management, community outreach, or enrollment assistance.

Here's why you'll love working at Elevate Health:

Amazing People

- A collective of smart, caring people working with partners to improve communities throughout South Puget Sound and make a positive impact each day.

Fun Environment

- From all staff meetings to escape rooms, we work hard and also take time to have fun.

Hybrid Schedule

- Enjoy the flexibility to work from home and our office.

Robust Benefits

- Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement savings, paid holidays, vacation, and personal time.

Real Impact

- Clinical care equates to just 20% of a person's overall health. We work across the other 80% - the conditions in which people live, learn, and work across every stage of life - to truly elevate health and well-being. Learn more about us at https://www.elevatehealth.org.

Elevate Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Elevate Health complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.