Care Specialist

About the role

The Care Specialist is a key member of the team responsible for delivering chronic care management to high-complexity patients. The primary focus is on direct outreach to patients, guiding them through the enrollment process, facilitating virtual appointments with providers, and ensuring patients adhere to care plans.

Responsibilities

• Direct outreach to patients, engaging in both in-home and virtual care settings.
• Facilitating virtual appointments with healthcare providers.
• Ensuring patients adhere to care plans by building relationships and coordinating care.
• Providing education to patients to promote health and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
• Engaging patients and team members through various methods including phone calls, home visits, and community outreach.
• Using motivational interviewing and other patient-centered communication techniques to build rapport and empower patients.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience (e.g., Community Health Worker, Peer Support Specialist, Medical Assistant, etc.)
• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation to travel within the assigned territory
• Experience in chronic care management or working with chronically ill/elderly patients
• Technologically proficient with basic computer skills (typing, using EMR systems)
• Experience with motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and care coordination
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage patients and team members effectively
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage schedules, and work independently in an unstructured environment
• Multi-lingual skills are a plus but not required
• Prior home care experience is beneficial

Key Behaviors

• Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in unstructured environments and adapts to meet patient needs.
• Self-Starter & Motivation: Takes initiative in managing patient care and outreach, willing to learn and adapt to new processes and systems.
• Empathy & Compassion: Works with individuals from diverse backgrounds, understanding complex needs and building rapport through motivational interviewing.
• Accountability & Integrity: Demonstrates personal responsibility, taking ownership of tasks and ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all activities.
• Cultural Competence: Aware of community dynamics and ensures culturally sensitive and inclusive care.
• Team Collaboration: Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to meet patient and organizational goals.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Uses strong critical thinking skills to assess patient needs, analyze data, and develop appropriate care strategies.
• Communication Skills: Capable of explaining complex medical information to patients in a clear and supportive manner.

Competencies

• Care Coordination: Engages patients in a comprehensive care plan, facilitating communication between patients, providers, and family members.
• Health Education: Educates patients about their medical conditions, care plans, and available resources.
• Patient Engagement: Uses various strategies to engage patients and ensure continuous participation in their care.
• Time Management & Organization: Manages patient caseloads, schedules, and documentation efficiently.
• Technology Proficiency: Skilled in using electronic health records (EMR) systems and other digital tools.
• Motivational Interviewing & Patient-Centered Care: Uses motivational interviewing techniques to build rapport and empower patients.
• Data Management: Ensures accurate and timely documentation of patient data.
• Outcome-Oriented Approach: Focuses on achieving key health outcomes, such as improved care adherence, reduced ER visits, and enhanced self-management.

Upward Health Core Values

At Upward Health, we are committed to fostering a culture that embodies our core values: Innovation, Compassion, Integrity, and Collaboration. These values guide our approach to care, ensuring that we provide the highest quality of service to our patients while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and teamwork.

Upward Health Benefits

At Upward Health, we believe in offering competitive benefits to support our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Professional development opportunities

Upward Health YouTube Channel

Stay connected with Upward Health by visiting our YouTube channel. We share stories, tips, and insights to help you live your best life.