Lead Care Coordinator

Job Posting closes: August 24, 2026

About the role

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking a highly organized, resourceful, and motivated professional to serve as the Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) Lead Care Coordinator. In this role, you will provide care coordination services for children and youth with special health care needs while supporting the day-to-day operations of the SHCN Program. You'll serve as a technical resource for fellow Care Coordinators, promote consistent implementation of program policies and procedures, and help strengthen services for families across Kansas.

The Lead Care Coordinator supports program leadership through quality improvement, staff development, operational coordination, and collaboration with healthcare providers, managed care organizations, community organizations, and state agencies. This position also represents the SHCN Program through presentations, community outreach, and partner engagement.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who builds strong relationships and approaches families with empathy, professionalism, and respect. They understand how social determinants of health and other barriers can affect a family's ability to access services and are committed to helping families navigate complex systems. They are organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for connecting families with meaningful resources while contributing to the continued growth of the SHCN Program.

About the agency

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, appointed by Gov. Kelly in December 2021. KDHE comprises three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). It is the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof, allowing a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Responsibilities

• Care Coordination & Complex Case Support: Provide comprehensive care coordination services for an assigned caseload of children and youth with special health care needs, maintaining approximately two-thirds of a standard care coordinator caseload. Assess family strengths and needs, develop and monitor Action Plans, coordinate services, connect families with community resources, and promote self-sufficiency and improved health outcomes. Serve as a technical resource for care coordination staff by providing guidance on Action Plan development, complex client situations, interpretation of program policies and procedures, enrollment processes, and coordination of services. Escalate client, provider, vendor, or systems issues to program leadership when barriers or trends are identified.
• Program Operations & Leadership Support: Provide operational support to the SHCN Program Manager and Section leadership to promote efficient, consistent, and high-quality program operations. Assist with development and maintenance of program documents, templates, letters, procedures, resource materials, shared file organization, and workflow processes. Support coordination of recurring program activities, meetings, and special initiatives, including preparation of agendas, meeting documentation, follow-up activities, quarterly Special Bequest Commission support, and other program priorities. Serve as the SHCN representative during meetings or activities when program leadership is unavailable, as appropriate. Support the Eligibility Specialist and other program functions as assigned to ensure continuity of operations and timely service delivery.
• Quality Improvement, Resource Coordination & Fiscal Support: Support continuous quality improvement activities by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and family experience throughout SHCN services. Monitor operational trends related to care coordination, vendor concerns, resource utilization, workflow effectiveness, and budget activity, communicating concerns promptly to program leadership. Assist with maintaining organized program resources, identifying gaps in available services, improving coordination among community partners, managed care organizations, and providers, and supporting efforts to expand access to services for families enrolled in the SHCN Program. Provide limited fiscal support by assisting with tracking expenditures, monitoring funding activity, and identifying potential budget concerns for leadership review.
• Professional Development, Communication & Partnership Development: Maintain current knowledge of care coordination practices, family-centered services, cultural responsiveness, social determinants of health, disability supports, and other topics relevant to children and youth with special health care needs. Participate in professional development activities and share knowledge, resources, and best practices with program leadership and peers to strengthen team performance. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with providers, community organizations, managed care organizations, state agencies, and other partners. Represent the SHCN Program through meetings, outreach activities, presentations, and educational events as assigned.

Requirements

• Two (2) or more years of experience providing care coordination, case management, or related services within a health or human services program.
• Experience interviewing individuals or families, assessing needs, compiling and documenting information, interpreting program guidelines, and coordinating services or resources.
• Experience providing guidance, technical assistance, or operational support to coworkers, program staff, or partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with families, providers, community partners, and internal staff.
• Valid Driver's License: Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of social determinants of health.
• Experience with public health or other related programs.
• Two or more years of experience in navigating community resources.
• Experience with special health care needs population.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or GED.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is required for employment. Applicants (including non-residents) receiving a formal job offer must obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. The Kansas Department of Revenue reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have missing tax returns or owe taxes, the Department of Revenue can set up a payment plan to help you obtain clearance.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)

Pay

Hourly Pay Range: $24.71. Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, and vision coverage.
• Sick & Vacation leave.
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave.
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually).
• Fitness Centers in select locations.
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program.
• Retirement and Deferred Compensation Programs.