Program Specialist - Health

DEPARTMENT: Health

REPORTS TO: Program Director

CLASSIFICATION: 1 (FTE), Non-Exempt, Full-time, 40 hours per week, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday- Friday, with some evenings and weekends, will require in-person work on a regular basis upon hire, local travel required.

SCOPE: The goal of the Program Specialist is to connect families with affordable health insurance options and provide connections to appropriate services to broadly address the health needs of program participants. The Urban League, in partnership with Oregon Health Authority, will provide outreach, education, cultural mediation, and health navigation to African Americans in North, Northeast and Outer East Portland to increase awareness about the availability and eligibility for enrollment in various Health Plans and make connections to services to improve health in our community. The Program Specialist will provide outreach to recruit participants, enroll, track progress, and provide advice and support to participants, with a goal of ensuring 100% of Urban League participants are covered by some type of health insurance. The Programs Specialist is a versatile role designed to enhance service delivery through cross-departmental training and collaboration. This position requires a dynamic individual capable of managing multiple responsibilities, providing direct support to participants, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our integrated service model.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Contributes to the Urban League’s mission, commitments, goals, and to the team effort by performing the following duties:

Participant Support and Service Delivery:

• Provide comprehensive support to participants, addressing needs across various service areas (e.g., workforce development, housing, peer support).
• Conduct assessments to determine participant needs and develop individualized service plans.
• Offer guidance, coaching, and resources to help participants achieve their goals.

Cross Departmental Training and Collaboration:

• Participate in cross-training programs to gain proficiency in multiple service areas.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members to foster a collaborative work environment.

Relationship Management

• Maintain a relationship with funding partners, through activities such as: participating in monthly, ad hoc, and Program Navigator team meetings as needed and active participation with strategic and focused outreach.
• Report and monitor deliverables (including quarterly reports, success stories, and expenditures).
• Contribute to the overall agency efforts by completing other duties as assigned.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships and partnerships with community partners that are in contact with African American families who may be eligible for Oregon Health Plans, including schools, after-school programs, community clinics, local organizations, and faith-based communities.

Community Outreach and Case Management

• Conduct ongoing case management and community outreach to reach program participants through the following activities:
• Complete short-term financial assistance application packets with program participants
• Collaboration with internal resources, community outreach to establish new partnerships, other nonprofits serving business and low-income residents, and partner community-based organizations.
• Provide one-on-one support through case management and career coaching activities, such as screening and assessment, housing stability navigation, resume writing/review, practice interviews, career counseling, training and skills, and job application assistance.
• Provide referrals (and follow-up) to community resources, health resources, and housing stabilization support. businesses/employers, and partners.
• Create materials and conduct extensive outreach to inform families of available health plans and other health services.

Case Management and Tracking

• Track and input (in required database) individual information, services, and performance progress
• Track and input (in required database) group activities such as program and number of attendees
• Track and input (in required database) outreach to partners and service providers, such as activities, number of participants, and outcome
• Track community connections and develop community resources
• Track and input regular reporting information.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate enrollment program in accordance with contractual goals under the guidance and leadership of the Programs Director.
• Assess clients’ involvement in services, identify barriers to care and readiness to access care, including client knowledge of eligibility status, health records, and other personal information required for Oregon Health Plan intake.
• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements including program performance data, reports, and documentation as required.
• Provide support and coordination for group activities, such as Program Orientations, financial empowerment workshops, tenant education events, and other employment or housing-related support.
• Collect information and data using the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism, as may be required for compliance reporting purposes.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and current written and database records/files.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends as required in meeting program goals.
• Contribute to the overall team effort by completing other duties as assigned.
• Help maintain current array of program collateral and outreach materials for various programs within the Urban League.
• Assist with breaks and lunches for front office staff when and if needed.
• Attend all required funder and partner meetings.
• Locate upcoming events at which to conduct outreach activities, maintain calendar of such events.
• Submit monthly funder reports in a timely fashion

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITIES:

• Commitment to and knowledge of social justice issues and the dynamics of social change, the history, and mission of the Urban League of Portland, and expertise in the present scope of Urban League service and advocacy programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of structural racism and Anti-Blackness as it relates to employment, education, and employment.
• Knowledge of emergencies, social, education, domestic violence, health, human services, and information/referral systems.
• Experience with case management, pre-employment activities, and job search development, especially for people of color and other marginalized groups.
• An ability to function positively in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate high flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently.
• Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding participants and employees in an effective, participant-centered manner.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to participants.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication.
• Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone.
• An ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization.
• Ability to listen for understanding and assist in problem-solving.
• Skill in interviewing, needs assessment, and coordination of services for unmet needs both by phone and in-person.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports.
• The ability to plan and volunteer in engaging community events.
• Ability to be punctual, have good attendance and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants.
• Ability to participate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support the agency’s goals.
• Ability to furnish proof of vaccination for COVID-19
• Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto insurance and have full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer.
• Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites with an emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook programs.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use the computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and support the goals and mission of the Urban League of Portland.
• The ability to serve your community through a culturally specific lens.