Location: Hybrid (travel to office and local partners required)
Status: Full‑Time
Salary Range: $45,000–$55,000 annually

About HWCLI

Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) is a dynamic, equity‑driven nonprofit organization committed to advancing health and social justice through advocacy, research, and community partnerships. HWCLI plays a critical role in bringing together community‑based organizations, government partners, and stakeholders to address systemic inequities impacting Long Island residents.

Position Summary

HWCLI is seeking an Advocacy Research Assistant with a focus on Maternal Health to support a statewide initiative aimed at improving access to doula care and related social supports for Medicaid and SNAP recipients. This role blends community engagement, care coordination, research, and advocacy, and is ideal for someone passionate about maternal health equity and systems‑level change.

The Advocacy Research Assistant will work closely with community‑based partners, doulas, Medicaid members, and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to connect families to vital services, support referral platforms, and contribute to policy advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Maternal Health & Doula Access

• Pair Medicaid and SNAP recipients with New York State Medicaid‑enrolled doulas
• Assist with hosting doula trainings in partnership with doula organizations
• Support a digital client management platform for doulas to streamline communication and billing
• Manage referrals using Unite Us, including tracking, follow‑up, and outcomes
• Connect Medicaid and SNAP recipients to baby supplies and other maternal resources
• Host and table at community baby showers in collaboration with MCOs
• Build and maintain relationships with community‑based organizations to promote program initiatives
• Assisting Advocacy Manager on other initiatives outside of Maternal Health.

Care Coordination & Referral Management

• Conduct screenings and interviews with Medicaid members
• Confirm client interest and consent for receiving social care services
• Conduct outreach via virtual, phone, and in‑person methods to assess needs and connect clients to services
• Utilize Unite Us to complete referrals and assist clients in navigating health and social care systems
• Monitor referral status to ensure services are delivered and needs are met
• Receive, review, and process referrals from multiple sources (on‑platform and off‑platform)
• Meet monthly productivity and role expectations

Advocacy & Research

• Research legislation related to maternal health and social care access
• Track relevant committee hearings and policy developments
• Assist with developing advocacy strategies aimed at influencing lawmakers
• Create advocacy materials such as fact sheets, action alerts, letters, and social media content
• Assist with meeting logistics and coordination as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required, Bachelor’s Degree Strongly Preferred
• Entry Level position (2-3 Years Experience Preferred)
• Experience in a community health care setting preferred
  • Experience as a Doula, Birth Educator, community health worker, or patient navigator strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proficiency with computers and office software; experience with Microsoft Office preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across diverse cultural and socioeconomic communities
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain flexible in a dynamic work environment
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity, language barriers, health literacy, and varying educational levels
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new systems and approaches
• Ability to manage multiple programs and shifting priorities effectively

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $45,000–$55,000/year
• Full‑time position with excellent benefits
• Retirement plan with employer match after one year
• Flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, and paid time off
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunity to work on a new statewide initiative advancing maternal health equity
• Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional evenings and weekends as needed