Strengthening the Power of Human Services with the Help of AI and Machine Learning

By Andrea Danes, Global Human Services Leader, EY     May 24, 2024


Imagine creating a comprehensive digital repository for all available human services resources—seamlessly connecting individuals with needed services in housing, nutrition, health care, and education through an intelligent platform.

Or how about a virtual assistant that aids health and social workers by trimming down bureaucratic hurdles, maintaining documentation and compliance, and protecting funding? Add to that the ability to stay updated on regulatory changes and institutional knowledge, and you are stepping into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI).

AI represents a technological leap in capacity that is driving transformation and offering unprecedented possibilities in human services.

EY Global Human Services Co-leader, Jessica Chamba, recently elaborated on AI applications and their potential to revolutionize the sector by overcoming human-centric limitations and enabling efficient, targeted support. We’re excited to announce that these AI applications are now a reality.

Under the umbrella of EY’s global AI initiative, we’ve launched two state-of-the-art AI-based tools to enhance services and strengthen compliance adherence. Both tools were built with an eye on ideal federal funding utilization.

Smart Dictation for Case Documentation

This tool was created to enhance child welfare agencies’ work by automating case documentation tasks.

Smart Dictation, powered by AI, listens, learns, and translates shorthand or audio entries into professional narratives. It even reminds caseworkers when information is missing or incomplete. This tool embodies a seasoned co-worker, promoting the best possible service and documentation. We’re on the verge of piloting this groundbreaking technology with a leading Texas-based child welfare organization.

Smart Compliance for Medicaid Programs

State Medicaid agencies can navigate compliance with ease with the use of this AI tool.

The ingenious Smart Compliance tool learns federal regulations, auto-updates when there are changes, and offers states pathways to prove their compliance comprehensively to federal regulators, thereby protecting their federal funding. We've already engaged with one state health department to develop a proof-of-concept model that could potentially streamline compliance across all 54 Medicaid programs.

Technological innovations that have so far only been the topic of conversation are here, making now the time to harness AI's capabilities within the human services sector. EY’s two new AI tools represent just a glimpse into a future where targeted, effective services are delivered more efficiently than ever before. Join us as we move closer to that future, improving lives with the power of AI.

The views reflected in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.

EY is an APHSA Strategic Industry Partner. The viewpoints expressed in this post are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of APHSA.

About the Author

Andrea Danes

Global Human Services Leader, EY


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