PAUL HAFNER
Halfmoon,NY
Summary
Public health and Medicaid professional with 7+ years of experience supporting Medicaid, Medicare, and public health insurance programs across government, nonprofit, and managed care settings. Experienced in policy research, program monitoring, interagency coordination, stakeholder technical assistance, and training development. Strong background in maternal and child health, behavioral health, and culturally competent service delivery.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medicaid Specialist
New York State Department of Health
11.2023 - Current
- Perform full-performance–level administrative and programmatic functions supporting Medicaid and public health insurance programs.
- Serve as liaison between state, federal, and local agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and program integrity.
- Conduct policy and program research related to Medicaid, Medicare, medical and dental policy, Community Health Worker initiatives, and doula services.
- Draft, revise, and implement policies, procedures, and public-facing guidance documents.
- Provide technical assistance to internal staff, providers, contractors, and external stakeholders.
- Support program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and quality improvement activities.
- Assist with contract management functions, including documentation, coordination, and performance tracking.
- Develop and facilitate trainings, webinars, and stakeholder meetings.
- Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on planning, implementation, and enhancement of maternal and child health programs.
- Adapt to evolving program needs, regulatory updates, and operational priorities.
- Instruct a weekly Introduction to Spanish Language course through the Virtual Senior Center, supporting community engagement and health literacy among older adults.
MSW Intern – Central Office of Mental Health
New York State Office of Mental Health
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Conducted research and analysis of policies, grants, peer support services, and geriatric mental health programs.
- Participated in virtual readiness reviews of dually integrated MAP insurance plans, applying experience in Medicaid and Marketplace operations.
- Collaborated on evaluations of New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and Medicaid Redesign Team initiatives.
- Supported the Interagency Geriatric Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Planning Council through documentation and annual reporting.
- Assisted with oversight and technical support for geriatric service demonstration grant programs.
- Delivered weekly Spanish instruction through the Virtual Senior Center to promote social connection and cognitive engagement.
Peer Support Program Advocate
University at Albany, SUNY
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Facilitated academic and personal support services for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Co-founded a peer-based academic recovery program for students on academic probation.
- Provided case management, advocacy, and navigation of campus and federal assistance resources, including SNAP benefits.
- Managed a caseload while contributing to program development and student success initiatives.
Hello ESL Volunteer
International Institute of Buffalo
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Taught ESL to Congolese refugees in virtual learning environments.
- Provided culturally responsive education and vocational guidance.
- Delivered COVID-19 health education in Swahili.
Community Retention Services Advocate (Bilingual)
Fidelis Care
04.2018 - 08.2021
- Delivered bilingual Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace enrollment assistance for older adults, refugees, and vulnerable populations.
- Supported establishment of a Community-Based Office in downtown Buffalo.
- Coordinated with NYSDOH, local DSS, and HRAs to resolve complex eligibility and enrollment issues.
- Provided culturally competent education on health insurance benefits, long-term care, SSI, and SSDI.
- Served as team lead for complex refugee and immigration-related enrollment challenges.
- Participated in the New York State Midwife/Doula Pilot Program, connecting clients with language-appropriate doulas.
- Maintained Certified Application Counselor credentials in English and Spanish.
Retention Representative (Bilingual)
Fidelis Care
06.2017 - 03.2018
- Provided bilingual enrollment, renewal, and eligibility support for Medicaid and Marketplace members.
- Conducted document analysis and eligibility research to guide client recommendations.
- Delivered high-volume customer service while navigating evolving federal and state regulations.
Marketing Intern
Beltraide – Belize City, Belize
12.2016 - 01.2017
- Developed marketing copy for national television advertising campaigns.
- Led branding workshops for 70+ small business owners.
- Contributed to strategic marketing planning and workforce development initiatives.
- Delivered bilingual communication in English and Spanish.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University At Albany
Albany, New York, NY05-2023
Bachelor’s Degree -
SUNY At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05-2017
Skills
- Medicaid & Medicare Administration
- Public Health Policy & Programs
- Policy Research & Writing
- Program Monitoring & Evaluation
- Contract & Grant Support
- Stakeholder & Interagency Coordination
- Training & Webinar Facilitation
- Technical Assistance
- Community Outreach
- Data Documentation & Reporting
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
- Medicaid Operations
Certification
Certified Application Counselor — NY State of Health (English & Spanish)
Languages
- English, Native
- Spanish, Fluent
- Mandarin, Elementary
Timeline
Medicaid Specialist
New York State Department of Health
11.2023 - Current
MSW Intern – Central Office of Mental Health
New York State Office of Mental Health
08.2022 - 05.2023
Peer Support Program Advocate
University at Albany, SUNY
08.2021 - 05.2022
Hello ESL Volunteer
International Institute of Buffalo
02.2020 - 09.2021
Community Retention Services Advocate (Bilingual)
Fidelis Care
04.2018 - 08.2021
Retention Representative (Bilingual)
Fidelis Care
06.2017 - 03.2018
Marketing Intern
Beltraide – Belize City, Belize
12.2016 - 01.2017
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University At Albany
Bachelor’s Degree -
SUNY At Buffalo