Program Specialist, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and dynamic individual to serve as Program Specialist for the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) within the Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition. This individual will work directly for the Division of Children & Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN). The selected candidate will be responsible for reviewing and processing applications from families caring for children with large medically related expenses who are experiencing financial hardship. These individuals will ensure all necessary income and expense documentation has been provided by the family, medical providers and others to determine eligibility for financial assistance in accordance with legislation and Fund policies. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and strong math and problem-solving skills.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Communicate with families and referral sources via phone and written correspondence regarding the Fund, eligibility criteria, and required documentation of income and expenses, and application and review processes.
• Review and process applications and payments to families including documentation needed in accordance with CICRF policies.
• Ensure that all necessary medical and financial documentation has been provided, which may include contacting medical providers, insurers, public benefits, and others on behalf of families.
• Determine eligibility and, if eligible, identify expenses eligible for reimbursement, in accordance with CICRF policies.
• Determine amount of reimbursement to eligible families and prepare paperwork for payments and track fiscal transactions.
• Prepare and present family requests to the Commission which oversees the Fund at monthly meetings.
• Collaborate with other DPH program staff within the Division for CYSHN to identify resources and supports for families (e.g. financial, social, other).
• Provide outreach activities to increase awareness about the Fund to ensure that eligible families are referred.
• Assist with policy development and development/refinement of procedures.
• Assist in preparation of reports and overall program support as requested.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management including behavioral techniques, planning, forecasting, organizational development, etc.
• Knowledge of work simplification methods.
• Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs and tables.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Capacity to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Capacity to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

• A Bachelors' degree or higher in Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, Health Care, or Public Administration
• Bilingual or multilingual in Brazilian Portuguese, Cape Verde Creole, Mandarin, and/or Vietnamese
• Strong critical thinking skills, using logic and sound judgment to implement Fund policy
• Experience working in or navigating the Massachusetts health care system
• Experience with issues faced by families of children with special health care needs
• Experience providing direct support to families in crisis, particularly those faced with particularly stressful financial and medical situations.
• Knowledge and understanding of health insurance regulations, medical billing and coverage