Program Description
Community Health Advocates (CHA), a program within the Community Service Society of New York’s Health Initiatives Department, is New York State’s designated health insurance consumer assistance program. CHA helps New Yorkers get, keep, and effectively use their health coverage. CHA’s services are free for New York health care consumers and small businesses.
Internship Description
Interns will learn from CHA staff how to advocate on behalf of New York State health insurance consumers. Interns will: receive training on New York health insurance programs and New York and federal health insurance law; assist in providing direct service and advocacy to clients on CHA’s consumer assistance Helpline; and be paired with one or more CHA staff members to assist with project research, analysis, or other assignments.
Responsibilities May Include:
- Under the supervision of the Helpline Supervisor, assisting in providing information, advice, referrals, and advocacy to CHA Helpline callers
- Under the supervision of the Associate Supervising Attorney, assisting in collecting and analyzing CHA and regulator database information to inform CHA staff and partners on trends and sentinel issues to report to state policy makers
- Under the supervision of CHA staff members, assisting with case handling, contributing to internal projects, or drafting materials for advocates or consumers; this may include, e.g., assisting CHA’s Health Equity Workgroup with data analysis, outreach, and drafting consumer-facing know-your-rights materials
Ideal Intern Attributes
- Interest in health policy, healthcare reform, and serving low-income populations
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Able to communicate effectively and compassionately with diverse client populations
- Able to work as part of a team and independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Competency in languages other than English a plus
- Experience with customer service preferred
Submit resume and cover letter to: Jacqueline Tulcin, CHA Associate Supervising Attorney, healthintern@cssny.org