Benefits Counseling & Referral Specialist I

The Area Agency on Aging Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a part-time Benefits Counselor/Referral Specialist to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, and their caregivers in understanding and accessing public and private benefits, with primary emphasis on Medicare and Medicaid.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Advising Medicare beneficiaries (both current and prospective) of covered goods and services under Parts A, B, and D;

• Providing objective counseling regarding Medicare Advantage Plans and helping beneficiaries make informed choice regarding Medicare Advantage Plans versus traditional Medicare;

• Explaining Medicare supplements and assisting with plan comparisons;

• Conducting plan comparisons for Part D prescription drug benefits;

• Screening individuals to determine if they are presumptively eligible for Medicare Savings Program and/or Low-Income Subsidy benefits. If so, assist with preparing and submitting applications as needed;

• Screening individuals to determine if they are presumptively eligible for Medicaid and/or SNAP benefits. If so, assist with preparing and submitting applications as needed;

• Providing information and referral regarding other public benefits such as subsidized housing and energy assistance programs;

• Conducting presentations for groups of older adults and family caregivers on Medicare benefits;

• Providing technical assistance to certified volunteer benefits counselors as needed.

The position requires education that normally results in a bachelor's degree. It requires working knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid. It requires skills that include excellent verbal communication. Since the position requires local travel, reliable transportation is necessary. The Benefits Counseling and Information Specialist must obtain certification as a benefits counselor by Texas Legal Services/Texas Health and Human Services Commission within six months of hire.

The starting salary is $21.99/hour, or higher based on qualifications. The North Central Texas Council of Governments provides excellent benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.

E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.