Care Specialist

Company Overview

Upward Health is an in-home, multidisciplinary medical group providing 24/7 whole-person care. Our clinical team treats physical, behavioral, and social health needs when and where a patient needs help. Everyone on our team from our doctors, nurses, and Care Specialists to our HR, Technology, and Business Services staff are driven by a desire to improve the lives of our patients. We are able to treat a wide range of needs – everything from addressing poorly controlled blood sugar to combatting anxiety to accessing medically tailored meals – because we know that health requires care for the whole person.

Role Description

The Care Specialist is a key member of the team responsible for delivering chronic care management to high-complexity patients. The Care Specialist primarily works in patients' homes and communities (90% of the time) and engages in virtual care (10% of the time). This role involves direct outreach to patients, guiding them through the enrollment process, facilitating virtual appointments with providers, and ensuring that patients adhere to care plans.

By building relationships, coordinating care, and providing education, the Care Specialist plays a critical role in promoting health, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, and improving patient outcomes.

Skills Required

• 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
• A 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 including typing and 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: Ability to thrive in unstructured environments and pivot as needed to meet patient needs.
• Self-Starter & Motivation: Proactively takes initiative in managing patient care and outreach.
• Empathy & Compassion: Skilled in building rapport through motivational interviewing and patient-centered communication techniques.
• Accountability & Integrity: Ensures accuracy and timeliness in all activities.
• Cultural Competence: Provides culturally sensitive and inclusive care.
• Team Collaboration: Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Assesses patient needs and develops appropriate care strategies.
• Communication Skills: Explains complex medical information clearly and supportively.

Competencies

• Care Coordination: Facilitates communication between patients, providers, and family members to ensure timely care.
• Health Education: Educates patients about medical conditions, care plans, and resources.
• Patient Engagement: Uses phone calls, home visits, and community outreach to maintain patient participation.
• Time Management & Organization: Manages patient caseloads, schedules, and documentation efficiently.
• Technology Proficiency: Uses electronic health records (EMR) systems and digital tools for documentation and communication.
• Motivational Interviewing & Patient-Centered Care: Empowers patients to take ownership of their health decisions.
• Data Management: Ensures accurate and timely patient documentation.
• Outcome-Oriented Approach: Focuses on improving care adherence and reducing emergency room visits.

Compensation

NY pay range: $21—$25 USD