HEALTH ACCESS ASSISTANT II

The eligible list resulting from this examination may be used to fill similar City of Milwaukee positions.

The Health Access Assistant II provides appropriate, comprehensive support and information to customers who are applying for Medicaid, Family Planning Services only, Senior Care, BadgerCare Plus, Marketplace Benefit applications or other entitlement programs such as Food Share and Wisconsin Cares Programs.  The Health Access Assistant engages customers to assess their needs around medical concerns and assists with applications for various programs or make referrals to programs that would fulfill the customers' needs at the time of interview.  The Health Access Assistant will further assess customer needs where there are issues with eligibility, including but not limited to advocacy and reaching out to state and local officials to assist customers in troubleshooting their case.  Lastly, the Health Access Assistant will assist customers in experiencing a higher quality of life through diligent efforts.

Application Assistance and Outreach

● Meet with walk-in customers at clinics, Community Based Organizations (CBO), other settings to identify eligible populations, assess their needs for entitlement programs and assist them in applying on-line for programs to which they are entitled.

● Inform customers of the documents required for application; walk them through the entire process or application for Badger Care Plus, Express Enroll and other Medicaid programs.  

● Encourage application to other programs which might serve clients needs, including: Food Share, WIC, Nursing programs, free and reduced cost clinics.

● Make referrals to internal and external programs that would further benefit clients’ general health and well-being.

● Provide information to community members through outreach activities at community based organizations, churches, and other settings to identify and assist eligible populations.

Customer Advocacy and Troubleshooting

● Advocate on behalf of all health department populations who have an insurance coverage issue.

● Receive and process referrals from other programs for individuals who have no coverage or who are experiencing issues or an interruption in coverage.

● Ensure that each client receives the best quality service available; use contacts within local and state government to press for quality customer care.

● Collaborate with community, state, and local officials to have a network of advocates working to improve the quality of health in the Milwaukee community, especially relating to the underrepresented populations.

● Engage in cross-programming, training, and referral to ensure continuity of care for clients coming to MHD.

● Remain abreast of administrative changes in Medicaid and other entitlement programs to ensure accuracy of application information given to customers.

Reporting and Administrative Duties

● Enter customer information into the database daily.

● Complete all required internal MHD documentation and report in a timely fashion.

Other Responsibilities

● Participate in evaluation of the program to ensure program compliance and quality.

● Complete other projects and duties as assigned to ensure efficiency and efficacy for the program.

● Participate in program and agency training as necessary.  

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1.  Three (3) years’ experience working with low-income families and their health benefit programs; OR Three (3) years’ experience in community outreach, human services, health care service or a related field.   

Relative experience includes conducting customer needs assessments, determining eligibility for benefits or services, ensuring access to services, monitoring and maintaining case records and reporting progress accordingly.   

Note:  36 credits in social work, sociology, counseling, guidance, nursing or other related human service field may substitute for up to 1 year of the experience requirement.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected.   Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.  

2.  Valid Driver’s License and properly insured vehicle at time of appointment and throughout employment.  Automobile allowance is provided.

• Previous experience working with related health benefit programs.

• Knowledge of eligibility requirements and application processes for entitlement programs (e.g. Medicaid, FoodShare, etc.).
• Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act Marketplace processes and applications.
• Problem Solving skills to identify and resolve problems timely and develop alternate solutions.        
• Customer service skills to provide quality customer service to diverse individuals.      
• Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.        
• Oral communication skills to communicate complex information in a manner that can be understood by various individuals.        
• Written communication skills to accurately and effectively document case notes.        
• Skill in advocacy and outreach.        
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as state rules regarding eligibility requirements.        
• Ability to make accurate mathematical calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to reason and resolve complex problems in a professional manner.                
• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.        
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.        
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.        
•  Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.        
• Ability to be proactive to meet division objectives and responsibilities.        
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.        
• Ability to manage a large number of caseloads simultaneously.       
• Ability to navigate county and state systems.  

The current starting salary (PG 6FN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $34,717 annually, and the non-resident starting salary is $33,865. 

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.  

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after February 12, 2015. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.  However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.  
• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.