Medicare Benefits Counselor

**In order to be considered for this position all applicants MUST apply and submit an application at www.wacog.com/careers**

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under general supervision, coordinate and provide services for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) within Region IV as defined in the AAA Area Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Assist Medicare Beneficiaries by providing free, impartial information, counseling, and other forms of assistance and help determine eligibility for available benefits. Providing specific assistance about Medicare enrollment, benefits, coverage options and claims. (SHIP)

2) Assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education (SMP)

3) Refer clients to other WACOG programs; educate clients and encourage them to utilize community services available; may act as a liaison between client and organizations and agencies.

4) Meet one on one with clients in the office, client homes, and other public and private settings as appropriate for the needs of the client and success of the program such as in Senior Centers.

5) Verify information provided by clients meet specific program requirements and document in client files.

6) Provide training, and conduct presentations on health care issues within the service area.

7) Complete all SHIP/SMP initial training and maintain all annual training required by the State of Arizona.

8) Participate in outreach events to promote the program and provide referral resources for appropriate support services.

9) Perform timely and accurate data entry into relevant systems and spreadsheets; ensure client file is complete and current.

10) Recruit volunteer counselors from targeted communities to conduct outreach activities as deemed necessary.

11) Market AAA department services with distribution of literature to agencies and the general public to encourage them to apply for benefits and services for which they are eligible.

12) Develop various approaches to target services to low income minority groups and socially economically isolated rural elderly.

13) Establish and maintain professional partnerships and networks with related programs and community agencies to provide expanded resources and more immediate resolution to issues.

14) Develop service activities through community outreach, technical assistance, advocacy and/or information and referral as outlined in the AAA Area Plan.

15) Regular travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.

16) Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.

17) Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.

18) Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs)

The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.

- Basic knowledge of community resources

- Ability to define problem collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

- Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions

- Ability to handle all situations with tact and remain impartial

- Ability to navigate applicable software programs and Internet to produce accurate data entry, reports, and referral an marketing materials

- Ability to set priorities, organize time to meet deadlines, and work independently

- Ability to counsel clients on a variety of topics including resources and services available

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations to include but not be limited to other employees, public officials and the general public

- Knowledge of AHCCCS, ALTC Insurance, Medicare and other insurance programs

- Ability to speak Spanish is desirable

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma/GED and one year experience performing similar work

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associates degree in human services or related field

Two year’s experience performing referral services as they relate to Medicare and/or similar programs

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

*Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.

EOE/ADA

**In order to be considered for this position all applicants MUST apply and submit an application at www.wacog/careers**'
'

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $23.76 per hour

Expected hours: 29 per week

Work Location: In person