Community Resource Specialist

The Community Resource Specialist works closely with the clinic and administrative team to ensure that older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries in Durham are connected to our services and other relevant programs that support well-being by coordinating Senior PharmAssist’s information and community referral services. S/he will serve as the “front-line” when meeting and screening participants and will also serve as a Medicare insurance counselor. Senior PharmAssist is a community-based nonprofit that has been serving seniors since 1994. All of this work supports the agency mission: Senior PharmAssist promotes healthier living for older adults in Durham by helping them obtain and better manage needed medications and by providing tailored health education, Medicare insurance counseling, community referral, and advocacy. Typical Duties Administrative Support Act as primary scheduler, including telephone and walk-in reception, participant screening and in-take, answering inquiries and redirecting calls during operational hours (Monday, Wednesday through Friday 8:30am-5pm, and Tuesday 8:30am to 8pm). Conduct assessment interviews with participants and care partners. Ensure all appointment rooms are appropriately stocked with necessary materials. Support the Operations Director and clinical staff to ensure efficient organization and operation of the clinic, including data-entry and reporting. Health/Community Referrals Collect information from individuals requesting our assistance and determine type of appointment needed. Conduct screening interviews with older adults to check eligibility for Senior PharmAssist’s financial assistance with medications and to understand additional needs. Provide community referral information and case management services. Ensure all direct care staff have proficient working knowledge of resources for older adults. Work closely with the clinic team to document our referrals, including follow-up measures. Well-versed with local and governmental financial assistance programs and other community-based services, including networking with other aging and disability service providers to make sure we have accurate information. Work with the clinical pharmacists to help participants access medications from the various prescription assistance programs. Arrange transportation, home visits, and telehealth appointments as needed. Advocate for individual older adults to remove practical barriers to care. Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Director. Successfully complete the online Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) training course to ensure competency in Medicare insurance counseling. Conduct face-to-face and telehealth Medicare insurance counseling sessions with participants especially during the seven-week Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Maintain updated knowledge of Medicare guidelines, including Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare supplements. Complete online Medicare D “low-income subsidy” or other Medicare Savings Program applications for those who appear eligible. Organizational Relationship: The Community Resource Specialist reports to the Operations Director. Qualifications Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) preferred. College/University degree in public health, social work, gerontology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Experience working with older adults preferred. Experience in insurance counseling or one-on-one community referral preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr