Bilingual Spanish Medical Benefits Specialist

About AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC):

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is a leading organization dedicated to equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and chronic conditions. Since 1985, AFC has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS, driving innovative solutions and providing compassionate support through programs and services.

Our vision is a world where individuals thrive, and there are no new cases of HIV. Guided by our values, People First, Compassion, Accountability, Justice in Action, and Innovation. We are committed to meaningful engagement and dismantling systems of oppression. Joining AFC means becoming part of a team that is transforming lives and creating healthier communities.

About the Role:

The Medical Benefits Specialist (MBS) plays a vital role in connecting eligible clients receiving Ryan White services in Cook and Collar Counties to critical health coverage. This client-facing role involves navigating complex public benefits systems—including the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, Medicare, and ADAP—to ensure clients have access to the care they need. The MBS must be highly detail-oriented, comfortable managing strict deadlines, and bilingual in Spanish. This position requires up to 30 hours of training to obtain consumer assistance certification and annual recertification at the federal and state levels.

The salary for this role is $50,000 annually. Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plans with employer match, generous paid time off and professional opportunities.

Key Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in health insurance enrollment or public benefits navigation (e.g., Medicaid, Marketplace, Medicare)
• Strong documentation, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple client cases and completing deadlines efficiently
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (required)
• Familiarity with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and ADAP

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Program Management

• Coordinate with Ryan White-funded agencies to identify clients eligible for health insurance programs
• Screen clients for eligibility and assist with enrollment in Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace plans
• Guide clients through plan options and ensure enrollment aligns with their needs and eligibility
• Submit and track requests for HIV-related out-of-pocket cost reimbursements and copays through AFC systems
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in AFC’s client databases and ticketing systems
• Respond to technical assistance requests from staff and providers

Client Services and Navigation

• Provide referrals to supportive services based on client needs, including housing, transportation, or case management
• Complete applications for emergency housing and the Medication Assistance Program (MAP)
• Distribute food vouchers and transportation cards when appropriate, documenting distribution per protocols
• Travel to meet clients in homes, clinical settings, or community-based locations as needed
• Conduct educational outreach to clients and case managers about health insurance options, Medicaid, and CHIP programs
• Support clients with complaints or concerns related to insurance coverage, referring to consumer assistance programs or state agencies when appropriate

Team Engagement

• Participate in supervision, internal trainings (minimum of 12 annually), team meetings, and relevant conferences

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of experience in case management, public benefits navigation, or health insurance enrollment
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (required)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Social Work)
• Experience enrolling clients in Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or Medicare
• Familiarity with ACA, Medicaid managed care, and ADAP processes

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Customer service orientation with a client-centered approach
• Comfort with presenting information to individuals and groups
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality best practices
• Commitment to racial equity, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Requires reliable transportation for client visits. A valid driver’s license and insurance may be required
• Requires to come to the office 1 day per week, or as needed based on client meetings
• Field environments may include non-ADA-compliant locations
• Office-based work includes prolonged use of a computer and telephone, with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds