Description:
The mission of Senior and Disability Services is to enhance the quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities in our community by providing a broad array of supportive services that promote the values of independence, self-esteem, and dignity.
Job Summary
The Benefits Coordinator assists older adults, their family members and caregivers, and people age 18+ with disabilities in accessing local, state and federal benefit programs.
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
PAY: Anticipated Starting Salary $54,100
WORK LOCATION: 130 S. Oak Park Avenue, participant homes, or other designated community locations
Essential Job Functions
1. Receive referrals and assist participants who may have developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, and/or physical disabilities in navigating benefits and available resources.
2. Conduct appointments in the office, participant homes, or community settings, following AgeOptions Service Definitions and Standards and Oak Park Township policies.
3. Provide information and application assistance for benefit and housing programs including, but not limited to: benefits checkup (BCU), benefits access applications (BAA), Seniors Ride Free, Persons with Disabilities Ride Free, License Plate discounts, Medicare Part D, Low Income Subsidy (LIS), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and Medicaid.
4. Manage work for assigned programs from the application process to maintenance of records and documentation, referrals to community partners, follow up for client requests, successful resolution of problems, required reporting, and quality assurance.
5. Build and maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, caregivers, service providers, community partners, colleagues, volunteers, and the public.
6. Serve as site coordinator for the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): schedule appointments, maintain schedule for volunteers, provide counseling, maintain records, complete STARS reporting, provide follow-up for client requests and problems, and liaise with the Illinois Department of Insurance.
8. Participate in staff meetings, quarterly site visits, monitoring, partner meetings, and community events; share expertise as needed.
9. Facilitate service plan development and coordination for individuals with complex needs through Options Counseling and/or Housing Assistance.
10. Conduct outreach to hospitals, medical centers, and senior buildings within the (ADRN) network, at community events, and other appropriate businesses in the community.
11. Ensure office coverage for benefits assistance inquiries and appointments during office hours.
12. Serve as backup for the Welcome Center, providing information, housing resources, and referrals.
13. Attend required meetings, trainings, and conferences; maintain certifications as required by funders.
14. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Material and Equipment
Miscellaneous office equipment, i.e. – computer, fax, phone, copier, etc.
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in social work or related field.
- Two (2) years of program experience, including one year working with older adults.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
- 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 and liability insurance
- Inform USA- Certified Information and Referral Specialist-Ageing and Disability Services (preferred)
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local benefits programs, regulations, and human service systems.
- Medicare and related health insurance procedures.
- Human behavior, interpersonal relations, and social interactions.
Skill In:
- Verbal and written communication.
- Accurate documentation.
- Data entry and word processing.
- Task and time management.
Ability to:
- Determine eligibility for benefit programs.
- Remain professional in challenging situations.
- Plan, organize, and manage workload effectively.
- Learn vast array of community programs and resources and corresponding eligibility requirements
- Maintain consistent and reliable attendance
- Interact respectfully with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and people of all ages and lifestyles.
Physical Abilities:
- Sit, keyboard, read, write, hear and speak for extended periods
- Lift up to 10 pounds
This description reflects the general nature of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. It is also designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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