Urgent Access Specialist (Uas) - Program Coordinator

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Only considering candidates with a minimum of one year experience for this position.

About Healthy Capital District

Join a growing mid-sized nonprofit that has been helping primarily moderate- to- low-income residents of the Capital Region obtain the care they need for the past 25 years. We are a mission led organization with personnel policies that support our employees to thrive as individuals, with their families, work-teams, and as advocates for their clients!

The Healthy Capital District serves over 15,000 people annually to access the health services they need and other social services. We support people of all ages and backgrounds to obtain subsidized health insurance coverage and overcome barriers to care. This is done through our social service directories, referral assistance, insurance enrollment, providing dental services to students in schools, and training of Certified Peers and Community Health Workers. We also create public health needs assessments to advance public health planning throughout the region.

Job Purpose

HCD is seeking a dedicated and highly organized Urgent Access Specialist (UAS) to support the launch and implementation of a new internal system that provides on-site access to public assistance programs and urgent dental care coordination. This full-time position plays a critical role in expanding HCD’s capacity to serve clients with immediate needs by streamlining access to essential benefits and services.

The UAS will be responsible for helping clients apply directly on-site for Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), serving as the primary internal expert for these systems. As this program grows, the UAS will lead efforts to train other staff members to ensure broader access and continuity of service across the organization.

Duties and responsibilities

This position reports to the Director of Enrollment

• Develop, implement, and manage a new internal system that enables clients to apply on-site for TA, SNAP, and HEAP.
• Provide interdepartmental support to ensure timely and effective coordination of urgent dental care needs and access to public assistance programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients seeking assistance with public benefits applications and dental care coordination.
• Conduct direct client engagement, intake, and application support to ensure accurate, complete, and timely submissions.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of relevant county processes across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties.
• Collaborate with internal departments to streamline workflows and remove barriers to client access.
• Track and document client interactions, application progress, and outcomes in accordance with internal policies and funding requirements.
• Lead organizational efforts to expand on-site public assistance services, developing training materials and providing hands-on training to additional staff as the initiative grows.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with county agencies and community partners to support efficient referrals and service coordination.
• Participate in program evaluation, continuous improvement efforts, and reporting as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

• Associates degree preferred or previous experience
• Experience working with public assistance programs such as TA, SNAP, or HEAP (preferred).
• Strong understanding of community resources, service coordination, or case management practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain a client-centered approach.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and workflow management.
• Ability to take initiative, lead new projects, and support staff training.
• Proficiency with computer systems, databases, and digital application platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties as needed.
• Compassionate with the ability to maintain clear professional boundaries
• Team Player

Direct Reports

• None

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $48,831.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Albany, NY 12206 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Albany, NY 12206: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person