At Northwoods, we believe AI should make human services work better—not replace the people doing it. Every AI solution we design keeps a human in the loop, meaning human judgment, oversight, and expertise are integrated into the process from start to finish. AI brings speed and efficiency, while people bring compassion, context, and critical thinking. Together, they deliver better outcomes for communities.
By keeping people at the center, we ensure technology doesn’t just automate—it empowers. This approach helps agencies adapt to policy changes, lighten administrative load, and ultimately deliver better results for the people they serve.
The question is: How do we keep up without burning out the people doing the work?
The AI Conversation—Demystified
When many people hear “AI,” they imagine scenarios where computers or robots replace human jobs—similar to the Y2K panic 25 years ago. In health and human services, the reality couldn’t be more different.
The most immediate, practical uses for AI aren’t about predicting the future—they’re about helping staff understand what’s in front of them faster (what we call “descriptive analytics”) and removing roadblocks to better decisions.
Think of AI in this space as a behind-the-scenes helper that can:
- Surface the right policy in seconds when rules change.
- Flag missing or inconsistent information before it becomes a costly error.
- Summarize lengthy case files so staff can focus on what matters most.
AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to empower them.
Real-World Ways AI Can Help Today
Here are a few examples of where AI can make a difference right now:
- SNAP verification support: When an application is incomplete or inconsistent, AI can identify the issue early so it’s fixed before submission.
- Audit prep: Instead of spending days combing through case files, AI can locate, summarize, and present the exact documentation needed for a review—turning days of prep into hours.
- Policy navigation: With constantly changing rules, AI can instantly deliver the most current, accurate answer to a frontline worker’s policy question.
- Case and family history search: AI can quickly surface connections, past case notes, and family dynamic information—helping staff see the full picture without spending hours in multiple systems.
These aren’t futuristic dreams—they’re real, actionable ways AI can reduce the workload and increase confidence in decisions.
Our Approach: Human-Led, AI-Enabled
We put “human in the loop” into practice by combining:
- Case Aide Services (CAS): Skilled human support for documentation, application review, and case preparation.
- Traverse: A platform designed to organize, surface, and securely store information for human services agencies.
- AI enhancements: Tools that speed up research, highlight gaps, and help ensure accuracy—so staff spend less time searching and more time serving.
This blend ensures agencies get the best of both worlds: human expertise guiding AI efficiency.
The Role of AWS
Our AI capabilities are built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which means they meet strict HIPAA and FedRAMP security standards. This gives agencies confidence that their data—and their clients’ data—is protected, while ensuring scalability for the future.
People First, Always
At the heart of health and human services are the people—caseworkers, supervisors, and leaders—who show up every day to serve their communities. AI is simply a tool to help them do their jobs better.
Used thoughtfully, AI can:
- Reduce repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
- Support more accurate, timely decisions.
- Give time back to the work that matters most.
That’s our philosophy: People first. Always.
Want to explore real-world AI use cases for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid? Let’s start the conversation.
