Bilingual SHIP Counselor

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Position: Volunteer Bilingual Benefits/SHIP Counselor

Primary Function:

To advise older adults of available benefits assistance programs and assist in completing desired applications that include but are not limited to: Benefits Access Applications, Medicare Part D, Medicare Savings Programs, Low-Income Subsidies, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Senior Exemption, Senior Freeze, etc.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide monthly calendar of availability to Receptionist for benefits appointment scheduling.
• O bjectively counsel older adults/Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers or representatives who have issues and/or questions regarding Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare managed care or other insurance and non-insurance/benefits related questions.
• Conduct individual benefits counseling sessions affording complete confidentiality to the client
• Assist with Medicare and other appeals claim filing
• Serve as an advocate for SHIP/benefits clients
• Must complete a client contact report for each counseling session, regularly report SHIP activities on SHIP Tracking and Reporting System (STARS) https://stars.acl.gov, and send required client data to Assistant Biller via email for CMIS data entry by the end of each month .
• Must provide health insurance counseling without conflict of interest.
• Cannot be affiliated with the insurance industry or insurance claims filing business to the extent that serving as a SHIP volunteer could be used for personal and financial gain
• Cannot recommend a specific insurance company, agency, or policy
• Must attend ongoing education programs and/or meetings
• Talk to community groups about SHIP or information pertinent to senior health insurance issues, at own discretion

Qualifications:

• Must have and maintain an email address
• Must be able to navigate the Internet
• Must agree to a background check
• Must be able to meet with clients in an office setting
• Must satisfactorily complete the initial SHIP training and pass the certification exam
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Basic understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the older adult population
• Fluent in English and Spanish - fluency in reading, writing and speaking preferred