Senior Social Care Specialist

Overview

Essence Community Care is a Chicago-based complex social care management organization dedicated to delivering high-impact social care services in partnership with healthcare systems and local communities. We are building scalable, accountable infrastructure to serve vulnerable populations through evidence-based outreach and coordinated complex case management.

As we expand in 2026, we are seeking professionals who thrive in mission-driven, high-growth environments and are committed to operational excellence, cultural humility, and measurable impact.

Essence Community Care is seeking an experienced Senior Social Care Specialist to manage a high-acuity caseload of individuals with complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs. This advanced individual contributor role is responsible for high-acuity case management, SNF/SMRF placement coordination, multi-system navigation, benefits advocacy, and appeals resolution. The ideal candidate has experience within a large hospital system, a medium-sized FQHC, or a managed care organization/health plan and is comfortable navigating discharge planning, utilization processes, and regulatory documentation standards.

• Manage a dedicated caseload of high-acuity members with complex medical, behavioral health, and social determinants of health needs.
• Coordinate escalated care scenarios, including hospital discharges, SNF and SMRF placements, rehabilitation transitions, and benefit-related issues.
• Conduct comprehensive clinical and SDoH assessments to identify barriers related to housing, food access, safety, income support, and healthcare continuity.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, caregivers, providers, and community partners.
• Navigate Medicaid, SNAP, housing, disability supports, and other public benefit programs.
• Collaborate with hospitals, MCOs, FQHCs, behavioral health providers, and social service agencies to resolve barriers to care.
• Support members through appeals, denials, redeterminations, and complex eligibility issues.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready documentation in EHR and case management systems in accordance with internal policies and partner regulatory standards.

• Serve as an advocate for clients facing health, behavioral, or SDoH-related challenges.
• Provide education and systems navigation support for clients, families, and caregivers.
• Coordinate closely with MCO case managers, hospital discharge teams, SNF administrators, and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Deliver culturally competent and trauma-informed communication.

• Act as a resource for staff regarding SNF/SMRF workflows, hospital discharge processes, benefit eligibility, and complex systems navigation.
• Participate in case reviews, quality meetings, and workflow discussions.
• Share insights on emerging trends and opportunities to improve workflows.

• Meet or exceed productivity, quality, and documentation expectations.
• Adhere to company policies, HIPAA requirements, Medicaid and MCO regulations, and partner compliance protocols.
• Demonstrate strong judgment, professionalism, accountability in managing a high-complexity caseload.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support organizational effectiveness and mission delivery.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field; or commensurate experience.
• 4+ years in social care coordination, complex case management, or managed care environments.
• Experience working in large hospital systems, medium-sized FQHCs, or MCOs/health plans.
• Expertise in managing complex, multi-system cases and high-acuity member needs.
• Strong knowledge of Medicaid, SNAP, housing, transportation benefits, and other essential services.
• Demonstrated expertise coordinating care across hospitals, SNFs, SMRFs, MCOs, and community-based providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently,…