Medicare Benefits and Outreach Specialist (Bilingual Farsi)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

HOURS: 16 to 24 hours per week (part-time)

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

REPORT TO: Program Director, HICAP

LOCATION: Irvine (Orange County)

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is a program of the Council on Aging-Southern California (COASC), a private, nonprofit corporation serving older adults and individuals with disabilities since 1973. The mission of COASC is to promote the independence, health, and dignity of older adults through compassion, education, and advocacy.

HICAP is a program that serves Medicare beneficiaries and individuals soon eligible for Medicare at any age. The goal of this program is to provide objective counseling, assistance and education with Medicare and related health insurance plans, and long-term care planning, services, and supports.

PURPOSE OF WORK: Assist, counsel and educate individuals preferring services in Farsi language on Medicare and related topics. Assist with expanding HICAP and Medicare awareness to the Persian population. 

RESPONSIBILITY: Assist and educate existing and newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers about Medicare benefits, coverage, rights, and any issues or problems related to their Medicare coverage. Perform community outreach tasks to increase awareness of HICAP services and importance of understanding Medicare coverage and plans. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS (including but not limited to):

· Successfully complete initial HICAP counselor registration requirements and continually maintain registration status 

· Client case management - accept cases and provide services for Farsi-speaking clients; record case specific documentation in designated database 

· Develop and maintain partnerships with organizations serving older adults, especially those serving the Persian population

· Help develop strategies to broaden reach to individuals with limited English proficiency 

· Collaborate and team with other HICAP counselors and outreach staff

· Conduct community outreach related to Medicare and limited-income assistance programs 

· Other duties as assigned by supervisor. May be required to flex schedule for weekend or after hour assignments/presentations.

Requirements:

  QUALIFICATIONS:  

· Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Science, Gerontology, Management or related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree 

· +10 years work experience with older adult population

· Work experience with health insurance (e.g., Medicare; Medicaid, Marketplace) preferred

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Farsi required

· Expertise in public speaking and working with community members

· Successful completion of HICAP new counselor registration requirements

· Willingness to continually learn about Medicare and related topics

· Ability to maintain objectivity and patience in counseling, discussing and documenting cases

· Proactive, self-starter capable of working with minimal supervision

· Well organized with the ability to multi-task

· Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and various internet search engines

· Ability to work effectively with people in a variety of situations

· Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation

· Proof of eligibility to work in the United States

· Submit to and successfully complete a background check to include a national criminal records check

Working Conditions : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be required to sit for periods of time. Standing, walking and bending are required movements. The employee will occasionally need to lift approximately 20 lbs. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The ability to transport oneself to needed appointments and events with reliable transportation is required. Occasional overnight travel may be required. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  

The Council on Aging – Southern California is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status.