Policy Associate - 2025

Job Title: Policy Associate Patient Health Navigators
Commitment: 100-200 hours/term based on school requirements
Classification: Volunteer
Reports to: Senior Patient Navigator and Link Health Staff

Job Summary:

The Link Health Policy Associates Program is an experiential policy program in Boston and Houston that works with high-caliber, policy-focused students (graduate or exceptional undergrad students) to connect patients to federal benefits that impact the social determinants of health.  

The Link Health Policy Associate Patient Health Navigators will assist individuals and families in navigating and enrolling in government assistance programs such as HEAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Lifeline, and other state/federal benefits as a way to address social determinants of health. 

Additionally, the Policy Associate Patient Navigators will actively participate in community-based environments and undertake a tailored policy project designed to align with each student’s unique skills and the current needs of the policy team. This role combines knowledge of social services, client support, data management, and public assistance with components of health equity.

Link Health’s Theory of Change: Link Health actively seeks to assist eligible people in the navigation and enrollment in benefit programs that address crucial needs like affordable internet, food access, healthcare support, and housing resources. To do this we will utilize community-centered approaches that leverage data, technology, and partnerships. This will reduce barriers & connect underserved populations to the benefits available to them for improved economic stability and health outcomes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Screen patients to understand each client's household, income, expenses, and eligibility factors for various benefit programs using the Link Health multimodal platform.
• Enroll patients in simple public benefits like Lifeline and TAFDC.
• Refer patients to resources that address immediate needs using the UniteUs platform.
• Undertake a tailored policy project designed to align with each student’s unique skills and the current needs of the policy team. These projects will cover diverse areas such as:
• Policy research
• Communications strategies
• Digital marketing initiatives
• Asset mapping within communities

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Foundational skills in community organizing, essential for impactful policy work.
• Outgoing personality & an ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Positive, proactive, and personable team player who is goal-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong interest in advancing social and economic justice. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to gain trust and give respect to others through honesty, integrity, kindness, empathy, and authenticity.
• Drive to seek what can be improved and offer ways to fix any potential roadblocks.
• Comfort admitting what you don’t know and recognizing that feedback is part of the learning process.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred