Benefits Specialist

Excitement abounds at Heritage Behavioral Health Center!

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on patient care - regardless of the position they hold.

Why join us?

• We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• We are expanding our primary care, mental health and substance use services to individuals in Central Illinois and beyond and are looking for dedicated staff to meet the needs of our clientele.
• Our salaries have been updated and are competitive at both the state and national levels with wonderful benefits.
• Full-time employees receive 56 paid days off during their 1st year of employment (this includes every other Friday off PAID for your wellness needs).
• We have expanded our employee insurance benefit offerings and made them more affordable.

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

We are pleased to present the following position for your consideration: Benefits Specialist

Position Overview:

The Benefits Specialist assists clients who are uninsured, underinsured, or experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare coverage. This position provides direct support to individuals applying for Medicaid, verifying eligibility, assisting with applications and documentation, and ensuring clients with Medicare or other coverage are appropriately enrolled and receiving the benefits for which they qualify. The Specialist works closely with treatment teams, administrative staff, and external agencies to help clients maintain continuous coverage that supports access to behavioral health and medical care.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

* Medicaid, Medicare, and other state or federal benefit programs.

* Eligibility criteria and application processes for healthcare coverage.

* Documentation and confidentiality standards in healthcare settings.

Skills:

* Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.

* Effective communication and ability to explain complex information clearly.

* Proficiency with electronic health records and data entry.

* Ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with clients, staff, and external partners.

Abilities:

* Work independently while managing multiple client cases.

* Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.

* Navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for client needs.

* Demonstrate empathy, patience, and attention to detail.

Core Responsibilities:

* Conduct reviews or screenings to identify clients without insurance or with coverage issues.

* Assist clients with applications for Medicaid, Medicare, and other state or federal insurance programs.

* Support clients in gathering required documentation for eligibility determination.

* Follow up on application status, denials, and renewals to ensure continuous coverage.

* Educate clients on insurance options, eligibility requirements, and coverage benefits.

* Collaborate with clinical and billing teams to ensure accurate insurance information is reflected in agency systems.

* Work with local Department of Human Services (DHS) offices, Social Security Administration, and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to resolve coverage or eligibility barriers.

* Track and document client progress, applications, and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR).

* Maintain current knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, and state-specific insurance policies and procedures.

* Identify and report systemic barriers affecting client access to coverage and assist in process improvement initiatives.

Education and/or Licensure Requirements:

* High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred.

* Experience working with Medicaid, Medicare, or other public assistance programs strongly preferred.

* Familiarity with healthcare or behavioral health settings preferred.

Salary:

* High School Degree or GED: $18.00-$22.00/hour

* Bachelor's Degree (MHP): $23.00-$25.00/hour

Heritage Offers:

* Generous vacation, sick, and personal leave

* Paid holidays

* Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement

* Employee Assistance Program

* Continuing Education Opportunities

* Tuition Assistance Programs

* Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability

* Retirement plan

* Optional health, dental, vision, and additional life insurance (with substantial agency contribution)