Patient Benefits Specialist - COMCARE

Department:  COMCARE

Pay:  $24.15 per hour | This position may be eligible for a sign on bonus of $2,500 after 60 days of employment if selected applicant meets all policy conditions. 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 

To provide goal-directed, medically necessary mental health services and support while exploring eligibility for and obtain/maintain disability benefits, including but not limited to, SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) benefits and learn about due diligence with partnering agencies.

Service Provision Case Management Services and Treatment Planning

• Provide case management using identified and accepted methods to remediate symptoms of mental illness and/or improve emotional and functional well-being.
• Conduct risk assessments as needed to address safety of clients.
• Provide transportation in personal passenger vehicle to support patient attendance in medical appointments and other therapeutic goal-related activities to include development of community resources, employment or education access, social or consumer-run activities and related supports
• Prepare Treatment Plan including client and family participation on cases where needed.
• Collaborate in review, updates and progress on goals with Treatment Plan coordinator or other members of the treatment team.
• Meet with client to complete strengths assessment, discuss treatment goals and available services.

Benefit Eligibility

• Evaluate and determine eligibility for disability benefits, including SOAR benefits, through thorough assessment and documentation.
• Interview applicants to collect information to complete paperwork.
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Write Medical Summary reports.
• Submit necessary documents to SSA/DDS.
• Follow up with applicant’s mental health ICS throughout application process.
• Meet with ICSs and applicants to review application information.
• Attend meetings with agencies/ICSs as needed to review cases.
• Obtain signatures for applications.
• Coordinate SOAR referrals from COMCARE departments and other community agencies.
• Educate staff on benefit application process.
• Keep a record of benefit application status, dates of submission, and updates as they occur, to include back pay and billing as appropriate.
• Enter data into SOAR data tracking program.
• Report outcomes to the state KDADS office as requested.
• Obtain and maintain SOAR certification.

Documentation

• Complete progress notes in accordance with COMCARE guidelines, which meet requirements for medical necessity, goal-directed treatment and client response to treatment within prescribed timeliness.
• Complete Notes for Record, Precautions statements and authorizations for release of records as required and/or recommended.
• Enter no show and cancellations for accuracy and completeness of medical record.
• Enter AIMS data as needed.
• Enter SE-EBP data for all clients, including closures, in a timely manner.
• Review completed Vocational/Educational Profile.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or be equivalently qualified by work experience or a combination of work experience in the human services field and education, with one year of experience substituting for one year of education. Must complete SOAR training and obtain certification within six months from hire date. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.   Must have access to a personal passenger vehicle to complete the driving duties of the position.  Meet the specifications as outlined in the CMHC/CCBHC licensing standards and pass KBI, DCF child abuse check, adult abuse registry, and motor vehicle screens.  Must complete orientations provided by Sedgwick County and COMCARE.

It is the policy of Sedgwick County not to discriminate in its programs or services provided to the general public, including employment and all other activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other similarly protected status. Sedgwick County is committed to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to persons with disabilities. If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please notify Human Resources by phone at (316) 660-7050, TDD (Kansas Relay at 711 or 800-766-3777). Do not use this phone number for employment questions. This number is provided only for those requiring ADA assistance. You will be contacted should the department feel that you are a qualified candidate.