Aging & Disability Resource Center Coordinator

Aging & Disability Resource Center Coordinator

The Aging & Disability Resource Coordinator serves as an integral member of the Aging & Disability Resource Center team. They are responsible for providing information, screening applicants for eligibility, conducting intakes, providing housing assistance, options counseling and assisting older adults and people age 18-59 with disabilities in completing and submitting applications under the Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) and Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

Primary Functions and Responsibilities

1. Promotes the rights of each older person and people with disabilities; provides participants with full information regarding the services available; allows participants to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal, maintains confidentiality, and respects participant's property and right to privacy.

2. Receive referrals, complete intakes, and assist participants who may have developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, and/or physical disabilities in navigating benefits and available resources.

3. Performs research and provides information to seniors, people with disabilities, their families or referral agencies through telephone contact, printed information, face-to-face contact and electronic means.

4. Acts as an advocate for seniors, people with disabilities, and their family members and other residents to assist them in meeting their needs. Make necessary referrals for services to internal and external partners, as needed.

5. Provides information and application assistance in accordance with the AgeOptions Service Definitions and Standards. Conduct appointments in the office, participant homes, or community settings. Activities include, but are not limited to: determining eligibility for appropriate programs including benefits check-up (BCU), benefits access applications (BAA), Medicare Part D, Seniors Ride Free, Persons with Disabilities Ride Free, License Plate Discounts, Low Income Subsidy (LIS), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), Medicaid, and other additional programs.

6. Manage work for assigned programs from the application process to maintenance of records and documentation, referrals to community partners, follow up to ensure applications are processed appropriately, provide successful resolution of problems, and ensure benefits are received.

7. Build and maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, caregivers, service providers, community partners, colleagues, volunteers, and the public.

8. Maintains participant files and transaction records, compiles statistics, and prepares monthly reporting with quality assurance checks for timely submission to the Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager.

9. Serve as backup site coordinator for the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

10. Facilitate service plan development and coordination for individuals with complex needs through Options Counseling and/or Housing Assistance.

11. Participate in staff meetings, quarterly site visits, monitoring, partner meetings, and community events; share expertise as needed.

12. Conduct outreach to hospitals, medical centers, and senior buildings within the Aging and Disability Resource Network, at community events, and other appropriate businesses in the community (may include outside of normal business hours).

13. Ensure office coverage for benefits assistance inquiries and appointments during office hours.

14. Provide backup coverage for the Welcome Center staff as needed, providing information, housing resources, and referrals.

15. Attends required internal and external meetings, training, and conferences; maintain certifications as required.

16. Performs other duties and special projects assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work or other related

Two (2) years of program experience, including one year working with older adults.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job, may be considered.

License(s) and Certification(s):

Valid Illinois Driver's License, access to a vehicle, and proof of liability insurance

Inform USA Certification Certified Information and Referral Specialist/Aging & Disability preferred (or within one year of employment)

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Certification preferred (or within one year of employment)

Materials and Equipment

Miscellaneous office equipment, i.e. computer, fax, phone, copier, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Federal, state, and local benefits programs, regulations, and human service systems for older adults and those 18-59 with disabilities

Medicare and related health insurance procedures

Human behavior, interpersonal relations, and social interactions

Skill In:

Excellent communication, active listening, and writing skills

Accurate documentation

Basic math/recordkeeping

Interpersonal relations

Data entry, word processing, and online application usage

Task and time management

Ability to:

Determine eligibility for State and federal programs

Successfully complete applications for benefit enrollment

Plan, organize, and manage workload effectively

Provide follow-through and ensure benefits received

Maintain professional composure when dealing with difficult clients

Maintain consistent and reliable attendance

Work independently and with minimal supervision

Interact respectfully with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and people of all ages and lifestyles

Physical Abilities:

Sit, stand, keyboard, read, write, hear and speak for extended periods

Lift up to 20 pounds

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or roles performed by personnel so classified. It is as well intended to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

*Newly hired team members may expect a salary offer near mid-range depending on experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefit package including Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF-pension), vacation time, sick time, personal days, and paid holidays, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more.