About Job

POSITION TITLE: Bilingual-Spanish Medicare Counselor (Health Insurance)

Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)

Senior Network Services, Inc. (SNS) is a nonprofit multipurpose community resource agency providing senior citizens and persons living with disabilities with information, guidance and assistance in coordinating existing resources to promote independence and the highest quality of life. Through our seven unique direct services programs, Senior Network Services serves over 12,000 clients each year, and is growing. A longstanding part of the non-profit community, Senior Network Services has served Santa Cruz County seniors since 1974. SNS is currently in a time of growth and is expanding its workforce to keep pace with our expanding services and administrative requirements. The Bilingual HICAP Spanish Medicare Counselor role is a highly independent position, offering opportunity for system development and professional growth.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Bilingual HICAP-Spanish Medicare Counselor, under the supervision of the Program Manager, counsels Medicare beneficiaries and those individuals soon to be eligible for Medicare benefits and younger individuals interested in learning about long-term care; provides information to seniors and people with disabilities, advocacy organizations, and other entities, and may provide community education. Prior Medicare experience not required.

JOB DESCRIPTION

In accordance with program guidelines, provides individual counseling and informational services to Medicare beneficiaries regarding Medicare billings and claims problems, Medigap options, long-term care insurance, Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and prescription drug plans (PDP), and other related private health insurance topics;
In accordance with program guidelines, assists individuals as appropriate, to ensure that clients’ rights are privileges under Medicare and other applicable federal and California laws or regulations are upheld, makes appropriate referrals to legal services and/or other agencies, and offers other referrals and/or interventions as needed and appropriate;
Maintains accurate records on all client contacts and services provided using the CDA HICAP database and submits monthly completed client intakes, reports and other data/information as requested by the Program Manager;
Makes presentations to community groups regarding Medicare, Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance, long-term care insurance, consumer rights, Medicare Advantage (MA), and prescription drug plans (PDP); and
Provides information regarding HICAP services, including volunteer opportunities, to community groups, senior centers, senior lunch sites, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bilingual English/Spanish required;
A genuine interest in people and in assisting others to maintain their independence;
Interest and aptitude in the areas of Medicare, related health insurance, aging programs and disability issues;
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in an objective and unbiased manner;
Ability to clearly document details and information on forms and to summarize case scenarios;
Ability and willingness to comply with all policies and procedures established by the local HICAP and the State HICAP office; and
Ability to provide counseling and information which will assist clients in making informed choices and to refrain from recommending health insurance plans to clients
Required successful completion of HICAP training and certification, required..

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, technical training, or comparable work experience.

Experience:

Equivalent or transferable work experience with health insurance, Medicare and/or counseling.
Experience in nonprofit programs and documentation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver’s license and fully insured vehicle necessary, preferred.
Authorization to work in the USA
Successful completion of a background check with Live Scan fingerprinting required prior to commencing employment.
COVID-19 vaccination required, with or without accommodation.
Successful candidates must adhere to the agency Personnel Policies, required training and mandated reporter requirements.

HOURS/BENEFITS

Full Medicare training provided.
Part-Time, hourly, non-exempt position;
$ 21-23 per hour, depending on experience
20 Hours per week
Paid Time Off Provided

For more information about HICAP, Visit www.seniornetworkservices.org

Senior Network Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of the Senior Network Services to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status.

Schedule: